FAMILY CLASS IMMIGRATION

o Expanding the definition of “family class” raising the age of a “dependent child” from the current 19 years old to 22 years old;

o Opening up adoption provisions in keeping with the principles of “best interest of the child”, as articulated by Canadian courts;

o Changing the definition of “family” to include common law and same-sex partners;

o Facilitating family reunification by creating an in-Canada landing class for sponsored spouses and partners for both immigrants and refugees;

o Exempting sponsored spouses, partners and dependent children from the admission bar with regard to excessive demand on health or social services;

o Reducing the age at which Canadian citizens and permanent residences are eligible to sponsor from 19 to 18 years of age;

o Including “parent” in the definition family class;

o Reducing the length of the sponsorship requirements from 10 years to 3 years for spouses and common law partners.