What is the Singh Decision?
In Canada, April 4 is known as Refugee Day, following a 1985 Supreme Court decision known as the Singh decision.
What are the facts?
Satnam Singh came to Canada from India seeking refugee status. Canada's government rejected his case under the Immigration Act, 1976. The Immigration Act, 1976, did not allow Mr.Singh to state his case in person or to appeal the government's decision on his case. The supreme Court said this violated section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which says:
"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice."
The Supreme Court said everyone means everyone inside of Canada.
The result
• People claiming refugee status in Canada have the right to a hearing,
which they attend in person.
• Canada established the Immigration and Refugee Board to provide
quick and fair hearings.
• Canada’s government provides people seeking refugee status with the
necessities of life while they wait for a hearing
What are the facts?
Satnam Singh came to Canada from India seeking refugee status. Canada's government rejected his case under the Immigration Act, 1976. The Immigration Act, 1976, did not allow Mr.Singh to state his case in person or to appeal the government's decision on his case. The supreme Court said this violated section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which says:
"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice."
The Supreme Court said everyone means everyone inside of Canada.
The result
• People claiming refugee status in Canada have the right to a hearing,
which they attend in person.
• Canada established the Immigration and Refugee Board to provide
quick and fair hearings.
• Canada’s government provides people seeking refugee status with the
necessities of life while they wait for a hearing