Family of asylum-seekers claims discrimination as they fight to stay in Canada
A family who fled Egypt over fears of persecution for the father’s political activism is fighting for the right to remain in Canada.
A member of the Freedom and Justice Party during the Arab Spring in 2011, Attia Elserafy said he feared for his safety after a military coup deposed President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
The family of seven went to Turkey before Elserafy, his wife and three of their children came to Canada, where they made refugee claims.
Two adult sons remain in Turkey.
Elserafy says the refugee application process has stalled because a report from an officer with Canada Border Services Agency pointed out links between the Freedom and Justice Party and Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood.
Neither group appears on Canada’s list of terrorist entities.
Speaking through a translator, Elserafy accused the Vancouver-based CBSA officer of discrimination and Islamophobia.
“It is one officer, along with his group, that is targeting us, along with a few other families,” he said.
The CBSA says privacy reasons prevent it from discussing specific cases, but stressed there are multiple officials at many levels involved in decisions regarding admissibility.
It adds asylum-seekers unhappy with a decision can seek leave to appeal to the Federal Court of Canada.
"Allegations of improper behaviour by CBSA employees are taken very seriously,” the CBSA said in a statement. “When we receive a complaint, the CBSA reviews all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and, if warranted, will take the necessary actions called for.”
The Canadian Council for Refugees takes issue with that position, saying that, as a law enforcement agency, the CBSA should not be allowed to investigate itself.
"There is no independent complaint mechanism over the Canada Border Services Agency. This is a longstanding concern that has been raised by our organization and many others,” said executive director Janet Dench.
According to Dench, the federal Liberals twice tried to pass legislation in recent years to establish independent oversight for the CBSA, but the bills died in the House of Commons both times.
In the meantime, Elserafy and his family continue their fight to stay in Canada and avoid an uncertain fate back in Egypt.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.