Today marks the 3rd anniversary of my refusal letter. It’s amazing to me that it has been that long: I really had to think about it this morning to confirm the length of time, as I’d originally thought it had only been two years.
I continue to learn more about medical inadmissibility in Canada – it continues to impact real people, often in surprising cases. I have been able to help several people through the gauntlet. By far the most successful path through is to demonstrate that the actual medical treatment required falls below the excessive demand threshold – it’s surprising how often CIC medical officer’s just say “it’s expensive” and foist the burden of computing costs back onto the applicant.
As for me, well I’ve turned my eyes towards the citizenship process. With the impending changes to the process I either must apply now (and face a 3 year wait to chat with a Citizenship Judge) or wait until sometime in 2018 to apply (and face a 2 year wait…) Life continues to be interesting.
For those of you dealing with Canadian excessive demand medical inadmissibility I wish you the very best. While I’m not nearly so active these days, I do continue to answer questions and leave this blog as a (hopefully useful) resource for those facing it.
I do hope to read one of these days that the Federal Court has struck down A38(c)(3). Maybe because it violates the separation of powers between Federal and Provincial governments, maybe because it violates the various UN agreements to which Canada is signatory, or because it violates the Charter rights.
Whatever the reason, it will be nice to see the morally repugnant scheme struck down. And maybe – once I have citizenship – I’ll be more public and vocal in the political process for reform in the system. As a permanent resident I have to worry about the criminalization of protest in Canada – after all, it only requires one brush with the law and permanent residency can be revoked. And since permanent residents remain so by the grace of her majesty’s government it’s generally best to remain “below the radar”.
Best wishes for all in 2015!
