EU countries dominate new list affecting refugee claims in Canada
OTTAWA - People from 27 generally safe countries who seek refugee status in Canada will now have their applications fast-tracked.
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has produced a list of countries which the government says are unlikely to generate true refugees in a move aimed at separating real from bogus refugee claims.
The list of countries includes 25 European Union members as well as Croatia and the United States.
Refugee claimants from those countries will now have their claims processed within 30-45 days and will lose the right to certain avenues of appeal if they are turned down.
The list was drawn up by examining which countries produce the highest rates of failed claims.
The criteria applied include whether the countries have an independent judiciary, civil society organizations and recognition of basic democratic rights and freedoms.
