The Canadian government is removing 40-year-old laws that turn away would-be immigrants with intellectual or physical disabilities, according to Ahmed Hussen, Immigration Minister. The federal government will not be allowed any longer to deny permanent resident applications from those with severe disabilities or health conditions. Although immigration to Canada is not always an easy process, BecomeACanadian will make it possible with their help. The policy has mostly affected those economic immigrants who are already working and creating jobs in Canada and have children or spouses with a disability. “The current provisions on medical inadmissibility are over 40 years old and are clearly not in line with Canadian values or our government’s vision of inclusion,” reported Hussen. He mentioned the incident of a York University professor who was denied permanent residency due to his child who had Down Syndrome and also a family that immigrated to Canada, started their own business, and was denied residency because their child had epilepsy.
He noted the immigrants can and do contribute to the economy in Canada and are not considered burdens. “These newcomers have the ability to help grow our economy and enrich our social fabric.” The new changes will reform the definition of social services by doing away with references to social and vocational rehabilitation services, special education, and personal support services. The new rules will allow immigrants with minor health conditions, such as visual or hearing impairments, to be accepted for permanent residency. The team of experts working at BecomeACanadian is dedicated to assisting people to achieve their dream of living and working in Canada.
