Advertisement

Feds working to deal with backlog of asylum-seeker screenings, Bill Blair says

Click to play video: 'Bill Blair admits to backlog in ‘additional screening’ for asylum requests'
Bill Blair admits to backlog in ‘additional screening’ for asylum requests
WATCH: Bill Blair admits to backlog in 'additional screening' for asylum requests – Feb 5, 2019

OTTAWA — Canada’s border-security minister says there is a backlog in the screening of asylum seekers, including those who are considered irregular border-crossers walking into the country from the United States.

The Toronto Star reported Tuesday that internal government documents, obtained by lawyer Richard Kurland under the access-to-information law, show 11,745 asylum-seekers are waiting for detailed security screenings.

READ MORE:  Is Canada facing an asylum seeker ‘crisis?’

The documents helped light a political fire in the afternoon’s question period in the House of Commons.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Border Security Minister Bill Blair says officials screen all asylum-seekers at the border and that there is no security problem.

WATCH: Law professor explains why judges are supposed to presume asylum seekers are telling the truth

Click to play video: 'Law professor explains why judges are supposed to presume asylum seekers are telling the truth'
Law professor explains why judges are supposed to presume asylum seekers are telling the truth

He says there is a backlog in additional background checks involving the Mounties and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, but isn’t saying how many people are in the queue.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: ‘Illegal’ or ‘irregular’? Debate about asylum-seekers needs to stop, experts warn

Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel is questioning how Blair can say there are no security threats if screening hasn’t been completed for those stuck in the backlog.

Sponsored content

AdChoices