Article Added On: July 26, 2004 - over 7 years ago
Title: Immigration Minister Urges Churches to Stop Offering Sanctuary
Author: Mark Schneider
Publication Date: January 01, 2004 - over 8 years ago
Themes: other

Abstract: Sgro calls for "compassion and common sense".

Immigration Minister Judy Sgro has appealed to Canadian churches to stop offering sanctuary to failed refugee claimants, she told Canadian Press.

Most major news sources relied on the CP story for quotes from the Immigration minister.

"It's a very difficult issue to deal with and, frankly, if we start using the churches as the back door to enter Canada, we're going to have huge problems," Sgro said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

The Toronto Star quotes Rev. Chris Ferguson, a spokesperson on justice issues for the United Church of Canada. He "welcomed Sgro's willingness to discuss the issue, noting he had sought a meeting with the minister months ago," The Star reports.

The United Church of Canada however has no new information on its website.

The Globe and Mail reports that there are currently "half a dozen" people hiding in Canadian churches.