fortherefugees-Marc

Our clients broke no laws in providing shelter to Mr. Snowden, who at the time was lawfully on Hong Kong soil.

Canada has taken a strong leading position on the world stage in favor of protecting refugees. Our country's leadership has also stated on many occasions its intent to have Canada be a positive example on this issue.

Because of this, our clients expressed the wish to go to Canada, to find a normal life there for themselves and their children.

Just like us, their lawyer in Hong Kong, Robert Tibbo, is also a Canadian. We believe in our country's commitment towards the protection of refugees and are honored to help our clients find a future here.

Since a formal application has been filed, Canada has the obligation to evaluate the application on its merits notwithstanding any other application or volume from other countries. There is no competition so to speak, only a case to evaluate based on legal and fairness standards.

Time is a clear concern to us.

It is beyond any doubt that these individuals meet the legal definition of a refugee. But Hong Kong is actively trying to deport them from its territory back to their home countries of Sri Lanka and the Philippines. If sent back, they will be apprehended, tortured or killed.

Now that formal applications have been made to Canada, and that the urgent nature of their is clear, it is important for Canada to act fast.

We cannot get into the specifics of the legal case or strategy per se, but what inspired us was to do the right thing by these exceptional families. Their lawyer in Hong Kong, Robert Tibbo, is a fellow Montrealer. As Canadians, we felt it was important to not let these families behind.

As a society, Canadians have adopted a policy that is open to immigrants, including refugees.

The feedback and outpour of sympathy we have been getting with respect to our clients has been very positive. I think Canadians take pride in our country's policies. Politicians should take note of that as well.