Courtesy
André Yves Cloutier (centre) with his wife, Nona Abkaei (right), and their friend Firat Turan (left) at their wedding in Antalya, Turkey, May 2023. The couple has been separated since the wedding due to prolonged immigration delays.
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canadian immigration system is under scrutiny following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) announcement of a suspension on new sponsorship applications under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. According to IRCC, this measure aims to address processing backlogs by limiting application reviews to those submitted in 2024, with a cap of 15,000 applications. This decision comes as Canada grapples with broader immigration adjustments, including reduced targets for permanent resident admissions in 2025.
The suspension, reported by CIC News and other sources, provides no immediate relief for families separated by prolonged immigration delays. Advocacy groups like Québec Réunifié argue the policy only worsens existing problems, particularly in Quebec, where immigration processes are already the slowest in the country. The policy shift also coincides with the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, adding uncertainty to the future of Canada’s immigration priorities.
“Families have been waiting far too long,” said Marie-G. Pilon, vice-president of Québec Réunifié, in a recent interview. “This decision doesn’t address the root causes—it only deepens the suffering of separated families.” Pilon’s organization has been vocal in demanding reforms, especially in Quebec, where provincial quotas and additional processing steps create bottlenecks.
Quebec’s distinct delays
The delays for Quebec sponsors stem largely from the Canada-Quebec Accord, which grants the province the authority to assess the financial eligibility of family sponsors and issue a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) for approved applicants. This dual-layered process, detailed in a government response to a parliamentary petition, significantly extends wait times compared to other provinces.
As of September 2024, spousal sponsorships in Quebec take approximately 26 months, compared to 12 months in the rest of Canada, according to IRCC’s published figures. Pilon explained that Quebec’s self-imposed cap on family-class immigration—set at 13,000 admissions annually until 2026—further restricts processing. “Quebec limits the number of CSQs, and the federal government aligns its processing accordingly,” Pilon said, adding that this quota leaves thousands of families in limbo.
Cloutier’s personal struggle
For Windsor, Quebec, resident André Yves Cloutier, these delays are not just bureaucratic—they are deeply personal. Cloutier has been separated from his Iranian wife, Nona Abkaei, since their May 2023 wedding in Turkey. Despite filing her permanent residency application in September 2023, the couple has seen little progress. “We were told the process would take a year. Now it could be four or five,” Cloutier said in Jan. 7 conversation.
Abkaei’s attempts to obtain a visitor visa to reunite with her husband have been repeatedly denied. “They claim she’d overstay her visa, but this leaves us with no options to see each other,” Cloutier said. With travel to meet in Turkey costing upwards of $6,000, the couple faces both financial and emotional strain. “We’re stuck in a cul-de-sac,” he lamented.
Cloutier’s professional circumstances further complicate their situation. As an employee of Hydro-Québec, he is unable to telework from Ontario, where federal processing times are faster. “Unlike others who can relocate to expedite the process, my job ties me to Quebec,” Cloutier explained. He has taken legal steps, including a formal demand letter to Minister Marc Miller, and is exploring federal court action as a last resort.
Petition for equality
In October 2024, Cloutier launched a parliamentary petition calling for reforms to Quebec’s family reunification processes. The petition, which garnered 651 signatures and was tabled by MP Alexandre Boulerice, highlights the disproportionate delays faced by Quebec sponsors. It also argues that the CSQ requirement discriminates against Quebec residents, violating Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The government’s response to the petition, published on the official Parliament of Canada website, acknowledged the challenges but attributed the delays to Quebec’s immigration policies. IRCC stated that while measures like digitized applications and advanced analytics have improved processing times in other provinces, Quebec’s additional requirements continue to slow the process. The government reaffirmed its commitment to working with Quebec to align immigration levels and improve timelines.
Broader implications
Québec Réunifié and other advocates argue that the delays undermine Canadian values of inclusivity and family unity. Pilon emphasized the societal benefits of family reunification, noting that parents and grandparents often play critical roles in family support systems. “They provide childcare, ease household burdens, and contribute economically,” she said.
Critics also point out that sponsors assume full financial responsibility for their relatives, ensuring minimal strain on public resources. Pilon underscored that sponsored relatives do not typically access public funds for years after their arrival. “These families are not a burden—they’re an asset,” she said.
Political crossroads
The resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has added a layer of uncertainty to the immigration debate. Advocacy groups hope the incoming federal leadership will prioritize family reunification and address inconsistencies between Quebec and the rest of Canada. “Families shouldn’t be collateral damage in a political tug-of-war,” Pilon stated.
However, tensions between federal and provincial authorities persist. In March 2024, IRCC proposed exceeding Quebec’s immigration targets to reduce backlogs, but the province responded by further limiting CSQ issuance. This ongoing standoff underscores the need for meaningful collaboration to resolve the issue.
Looking ahead
For families like Cloutier’s, the wait is excruciating. The delays have placed their plans to start a family on indefinite hold. “We’re running out of time to have children. It’s heartbreaking,” Cloutier admitted. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to fight for change. “This isn’t just about us. It’s about all families caught in this system,” he said.
Québec Réunifié continues to advocate for harmonized processes and faster reunifications. “We’ll keep pushing for inclusive policies that reflect the values of Quebec and Canada,” Pilon affirmed.
As political leaders navigate this critical juncture, families across Quebec hope for a resolution. For now, they remain in limbo, their futures dependent on a system in desperate need of reform.