The People's Commission welcomes your input !

The Commission cannot succeed without the active participation of the public. There are several ways that members of the public — individuals or organisations — can provide input:

1. PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS

To provide information about the issue of security certificates and other immigration security measures, explain the project, seek feedback on how we are setting it up, and encourage participation, a series of Public Consultations are being organised across Canada and Quebec. Please check our online calender or contact us to find out whether a Consultation is being organised near you.

We also welcome your suggestions at any time by email, fax, phone or post. See contact details below.

2. WRITTEN OR RECORDED INPUT

We invite everyone to submit evidence to the Commission. Particularly, we are looking for expert testimony or testimony of experiences related to Canadian immigration security policies (immigration detention, deportation, torture, immigration hearings, racial profling, security interviews, etc.).

Your input will be reviewed by the Commission. All submissions will be treated with confidentiality and anonymity will be respected. If you agree, we will also make your evidence available publicly on our website and on request.

To make a submission:

Language: we can accept written or recorded information, in English, French, Arabic, Spanish. We will do our best to accommodate other languages — please contact us to find out whether we can.

Written submissions can be either type-written or hand-written (clearly, please!) and can be any length you like.

Recorded submissions can be made in CD or MP 3 format and also tape if necessary.

Please don't forget:

• to begin your submission with a quick summary (one or two sentences) and a statement of why it is important for the Commission to consider the information or analysis you are providing;
• to make clear whether or not you want us to make your submission available to the public (on the website or on request) and;
• to include your name and let us know how to get in touch with you for follow up (if you are not making your submission on an anonymous basis).

You can email (abolissons@gmail.com) or fax (514-848-7584) your submissions, or mail them to People's Commission c/o QPIRG-Concordia, 1500 de Maisonneuve W, Suite 204, Montreal, Qc, H3G 1N1.

All submissions (written or recorded) must be received no later than 23 April 2006.

3. MAKE A PRESENTATION AT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS

The Commissioners will be holding Public Hearings from 21 to 23 April 2006 in Montreal. Members of the public — groups or individuals — are invited to apply to speak at the public hearing. Space is limited, so the Commissioners will chose testimonies that they believe will add an important element to the issues under consideration.

More than two dozen experts and witnesses will testify before the Commission at the Public Hearings. The hearings will be divided into one and a half hour sessions, each looking at different aspects of the issue. During each session, two to three people will speak for about 10 minutes each, followed by questions from the Commissioners and from the public.

Please send the following information to us by email (abolissons@gmail.com) or fax (514-848-7584), or mail it to People's Commission c/o QPIRG-Concordia, 1500 de Maisonneuve W, Suite 204, Montreal, Qc, H3G 1N1.

1. Do you wish to make your presentation anonymously (yes/no)?

2. Optional info:
Name
Gender
Years in Canada
Country of birth
Immigration status

3. Are you making this submission on behalf of an organisation? If yes, please include a brief description of your organisation.

4. How can we contact you (tel, fax, email, address or via community centre, mosque, etc.)?

5. Which of the following themes related to immigration security measures would you like to speak to: family impact; community impact; security agencies and insecurity; racial profiling; extraordinary rendition; concept of "national security"; purpose of immigration controls; other immigration security measures (besides security certificates); role of legal community in abuse; immigration detentions; secrecy and quality of evidence; due process; deportation to torture; discrimination against non-citizens; deportation; psychological torture of indefinite detention and of threat of deportation to torture; or other (specify)?

6. In a few sentences, summarise the presentation you want to make.

7. Why do you think your presentation is important for the Commission to hear?

8. Will you also be making a written or recorded submission?

9. In which language will you be making your presentation?

10. Is there a date, between April 21 and April 23, where you are not available?

9. Would you be available/willing to have a pre-interview with members of the Commission?

10. Anything else we should take into account when considering your application?

4. OPEN PARTICIPATION AT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS

Witnesses and experts who give testimony at the Public Hearings will be questioned both by the Commissioners and by members of the public. All members of the public who attend the hearings will be able to question the witnesses and experts who speak, if there is enough time.

The Public Hearings will be held from 21 to 23 April 2006 at CÉDA, 2515 Delisle St. Montreal. A provisional schedule of experts and witnesses will be available on our website or by contacting us during the first half of April. Please come out!