The Singh Decision
Satnam Singh came to Canada from India seeking refugee status. Canada's government rejected his case under the immigration case under the Immigration act, 1976. The immigration act, 1976, did not allow Mr. Singh to state his case in person to appeal the governments decision on his case. The supreme court said this violated section 7 of the Charter Of Rights and Freedoms, which says: everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person, and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental freedoms. The supreme court said everyone in the Charter means everyone- every person physically present in Canada. The result: people claiming refugee status in Canada have the right to a hearing, which they attend in person. Canada established the immigration and Refugee board to provide quick and fair hearings. Canada's government provides people seeking refugee status with the necessities of life while they wait for a hearing.