This is from our Neighboor. Love Canada, this is the kind of Neighbbors everyone wishes to have. ( I left his name out)
To whom it may concern,
I have had the great privilege of meeting the Marsh Family. I consider them to be friends and neighbours.
I am writing this letter as I believe a miscarriage of justice is taking place, with specific regards to a Canadian father, Keith Marsh and his son Eric, who was born in United States.
Approximately, 1 year and 9 months ago, Keith Marsh, contacted the appropriate Governmnent office regarding Citizenship for his son Eric. Unaware of the specific logistics of such a process, Mr. Marsh, relying on the diligence and proficiency of said Government employees, was advised to follow the “Citizenship” process and not the “Sponsorhip” process, that he initially thought. Additionally, Mr. Marsh was advised it could take some time, but to be patient. Keith and his son Eric, were both elated that the process was underway and Eric especially was looking forward to the day his Citizenship papers arrived, at which point he would have the opportunity to become gainfully employed and have that sense of independence, we all strived for, at his age.
Within a matter of weeks of Erics’ 21st birthday, sadness struck the family, as a letter did arrive from the Citizenship office, but; enclosed, was not Erics’ Citizenship, rather; a short note, (30 seconds worth) indicating the “Citizenship” process, was not the correct avenue to be taking, despite the clear and concise directions, Mr. Marsh was told to follow, 1 year and 9 months earlier.
As a matter of principle, I would expect the respective office, to accept an error was made, on their side and expedite a “work permit” for Eric, so he can, at very least, become employed, while another process gets underway if necessary. Eric has expressed sadness, that such an error has not only halted, a year and 9 months of his life, but; the promised, proverbial pot of gold, did not come to fruition.
To similarly reiterate, the proverbial dangling carrot, was hanging in front of Eric and his Father, by a Government Office, that clearly and concisely told them what to do. Both Father and Son, complied, believing the information they were given was, accurate and true. A few times, within the year and nine months, Eric called in anticipation, to ask if they could give him an idea as to when his Citizenship would arrive. At no point, on the phone, did anyone advise Eric or his Father, the Citizenship was not going to arrive.
I was appalled, when I heard the news, and seeing the sadness in the eyes of both Eric and his Father, I felt compelled to assist in any way I could. I contacted the Moncton office of the Federal MP Robert Goguin and spoke to Steven Therrian. He has yet to get back to me, other than a previous conversation, where he stated he wasn’t sure there was anything he could do to assist. When I asked him for the contact information of whom he spoke to, at the Citizenship office, he indicated the numbers and names were private and not for public use, so; at this stage I have no contact information or referrals, hence; the reason for contacting yourself, and all others this may be cc’d to.
There is a 800 number for the Citizenship Office call-centre, but it is practically impossible to get through, because there is no queue and are told to call back. I myself, tried more than 20 times to get through, to no avail.
I worked in several facets of the social field for over 20 years and can assure you, all mandates include “Family Unity”.
If this matter is not resolved expeditiously, it would be clearly a form of punishment and cruelty, violating our Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, of which I hold closely, as a Canadian, myself.
I dare say, this would also cross into an abuse of power, if not expedited. The last I heard, we had a democracy that, with the foundation of our Charter, protects the rights of all.
In Summary, I would simply ask that your sense of honour direct you to view the whole picture, as it affects this family and get the message to the Citizenship office, that it is perfectly acceptable to make mistakes, but; it is not acceptable to make such a grave error, and do nothing to correct it.
We are speaking of peoples’ lives here, so; let’s do the right thing and correct the error that was made and we can then, all of us, continue on that journey of harmony, within a country we all want to believe is fair and just.
