Joint Press Statement

June 11, 2004

Statement of Aamir Waheed Central Organizer MQM Canada

Good Afternoon!

I would like to thank all of you for being here at such a short notice. My name is Aamir Waheed, I am a Central Organizer of MQM Canada. Our Organization represents Pakistani Canadians and believes in raising political awareness through active participation. MQM Canada derives the strength from the philosophy of Realism & Practicalism. MQM Canada has active presence in all the major cities across Canada.

Pakistani Canadians make one of the largest visible minorities of Canada. We believe that Canada being a multicultural and diverse society has a lot to offer to those who chose to come here on their freewill. For all of us to be Canadian means to be open to our differences and appreciate the cultural richness that comes with our diversity.

We are engaged in finding a meaningful solution to the challenges faced by Pakistani Canadians. Our community is exposed to basic problems not involving much dollar amount when compared with the size of tax and budget of the country. Our problems are related to employment, primary and secondary education, recognition of Pakistani qualification, hardship faced in immigration, basic health care, employment in both public and private sector and so on.

We have thoroughly examined the issues that concerns Canadians of Pakistani Origin and hold extensive discussions with all the major political parties of Canada. Some of the issues raised were:

- We like measures to discourage the use of terminology “Canadian Experience” instead Relevant Experience by employers while trying to hire skilled & experienced immigrants/Canadians.

- We would like all the barriers to be removed to accommodate immigrant/Canadian of Pakistani origin in the Public sector work force

- We would like to see a strategy in place to effectively absorb the highly educated & qualified professionals arriving from Pakistan into this country as new immigrants?

- Personal and community Security is one of the biggest concerns for Pakistani Canadians. We would like to measure against increased gang activity and effective control of the use of Drugs & Arms in the cities.

- We would like to see increased Community based Policing and devise policy to attract and induct more people from various communities into Police Service?

- We would like to see qualified individuals from various communities across Canada to be included in decision making whether it is immigration or refugee board or law enforcement.

- We believe that equal opportunity to be provided to all Canadians and proper representation of qualified individuals from each community has to be seen at all levels of government. We all like to see “Equality of Rights” per Canadian Charter.

We believe that we all enjoy the best of life in Canada with certain rights and responsibilities. We like to see a United and stronger Canada.

Conservative Party of Canada appreciates the many issues that were raised by our Organization and issued number of Policy Initiatives that are consistent with the concerns raised. They have acknowledged our issues and gave assurance to work closely with the community to resolve these issues.

We appreciate CPC for working closely and acknowledging our concerns. We believe this is the time for change and we are here to announce the support for CPC in Federal Elections 2004. We extend this support on behalf of Hundreds of dedicated volunteers of MQM Canada across the Nation.

We urge and encourage our community to take a close look at the Conservative Party’s Platform led by Stephen Harper, and fully participate in the political process. We demand a better government that will address issues that matter most.

Thank you

Statement of Hon. Leon E. Benoit, Member of Parliament

I had a pleasure of meeting the Officials of MQM Canada and I like to thank them for their efforts in trying to resolve their community issues. We have had the opportunity to review MQM Canada’s insights and policy recommendations and it is clear that they have provided a thorough examination of major issues including employment, health, immigration and refugee policy, family values and international relations.

The Conservative Party of Canada agrees with the sentiments expressed by MQM Canada and deplores the poor management of Millions of Tax Payers’ dollars in scandals like ADscam and the HRDC job grants programs. CANADIANS DEMAND BETTER!

Consistent with many of the points that were raised by MQM Canada, Conservative Government led by Stephen Harper will ensure speedier recognition of foreign credentials and prior work experience. Foreign Credentials are key to unlocking the full potential of new comers to Canada. Canadian Economy continues to suffer from the under utilization of these highly skilled individuals.

We recognize that the Federal Government must take a vigorous role in the assessment process to ensure that needed skilled individuals are able to practice in their profession.

We recognize that “personal and community security is one of the biggest concerns for Pakistani Canadians”. Public safety is a priority for the Conservation Party. Canadians demand better security. We must keep our streets safe, our borders secure and our Country Strong.

We recognize MQM Canada as a strong voice of the community. We appreciate the insight presented by MQM Canada and encourage their members to support Conservative Party’s platform by fully participating in the political process. We welcome MQM Canada’s support and hope to receive cooperation from all chapters of MQM Canada.

Thank you