Canada’s Government Takes Action on Temporary Visa Requirements

March 10, 2008

Canada’s Government has taken a step forward in removing the visa requirements that were imposed on Croatian and Polish Immigrants.

In 1996, the Liberal Government introduced restrictions on Croatian men, age 18-65, who were looking to visit Canada. They were required to fill out additional forms with questions about their past military activities, which were used to identify potential war criminals. However, Croatians saw this line of questioning as a form of discrimination and as a result hindered the relationship that existed between Canada and Croatia. The Conservative Government recognizes this and felt that it was necessary to eliminate these visa requirements, without diminishing the security of the country or our obligations under international law.

The Conservative Government has also lifted the temporary visa requirements for travelers from Poland. This initiative by the Conservative Government and supported by local MP Gary Goodyear ensures that Canada can build further relationships with Poland, a benefit to both nations.

“We are committed to the free and secure movement of people between the EU and Canada” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, during her announcement in Mississauga, on March 1st.

“I am thrilled that our Government was able to do what previous governments failed to” says Goodyear.

The Conservative Government is working to ensure that we continue to protect public safety, and border security, but is also working to remove the unnecessary and outdated barriers that ruin global relations.