MICHELLE Rempel, Opposition Critic for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, said on Monday after the expression of interest form for the Parent and Grandparent Program closed after less than 10 minutes: “The Liberal government is sending a very disturbing message to Canadians and newcomers: play by the rules and expect long delays and backlogs – if your application gets accepted at all.”

She added: “Conversely, break the rules and enter the country illegally via Roxham Road and expect to wait 0 days to be given access to all Canada has to offer.’

Rempel said: “[Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau has set up a permanent immigration stream at Roxham Road that has so far allowed 40,000 people to illegally enter the country from safe places like Upstate New York. In fact, just today the Trudeau Liberals added another $114 million to pay for those coming into Canada illegally, yet they shut the door on parents and grandparents after a mere 10 minutes.

“This is consistent with a pattern of failures that we see from the Liberal government on this issue. First the Liberals abdicated responsibility by instituting a lottery system, leaving family unification to the “luck of the draw”, but those following the rules are given just minutes to submit their forms.

“Canadians and newcomers know that this situation is not fair. Those who play by the rules should not be pushed to the back of the line.

“Canada’s Conservatives will continue to advocate for an immigration system that is planned, orderly and compassionate. We will continue to hold the government to account and demand that they treat those who play by the rules fairly.”