A federal judge has struck down a key agreement on refugees between Canada and the United States, but gave Ottawa six months of breathing room to respond to the landmark decision.
, Federal Court Justice Ann Marie McDonald said Wednesday that elements of the law underpinning the Safe Third Country Agreement violate the constitutional guarantee of life, liberty and security.
Canadian refugee advocates have vigorously fought the deal, arguing the U.S. is not always a safe country for people fleeing persecution. Several refugee claimants took the case to court along with the Canadian Council for Refugees, the Canadian Council of Churches and Amnesty International, who participated in the proceedings as public interest parties.
In her decision, McDonald concluded that the Safe Third Country Agreement results in ineligible claimants being imprisoned by U.S. authorities. The public interest parties who took part in the case welcomed the ruling, calling on the federal government to stop sending people back to the U.S. under the agreement, and to not appeal the court decision.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Federal Court Strikes Down Asylum Agreement Between Canada And U.S.The Federal Justice said the pact violates constitutional guarantees of life, liberty and security.
Read more »
1/3 Of Parents Say Masks Should Be Optional For Students In Canada: PollMost parents say they're OK with their children wearing masks at school, a new survey suggests
Read more »
Statistics Canada says retail sales surged 18.7 per cent in MayStatistics Canada says retail sales surged 18.7 per cent in May led by motor vehicle and parts sales.
Read more »
Watch: Tractor-trailer rolls over on the Trans-Canada HighwayDramatic dash cam footage posted to social media shows a semi truck rolling over on the Trans-Canada Highway near Sicamous, B.C., causing a pileup and significant traffic delays.
Read more »
Police Crisis Teams In Short Supply As Mental Health Calls Multiply In Canada“I wish we could have them everywhere. Unfortunately we just don’t have the funds for that,' said a RCMP spokesperson.
Read more »