CAT/C/33/D/163/2000
Page 6
had an obligation to observe the time limits, and cites a European Court of Human Rights case 6
in which the Court found that, even in cases of removal to a country where there might be a risk
of treatment contrary to article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the formalities
and time limits established in domestic law must be observed. That complaint had been rejected
on grounds of non-exhaustion of domestic remedies.
4.9
The State party notes that in R.K. v. Canada7 the Committee found that the complainant
had not exhausted domestic remedies if he had not pursued a request for judicial review of a
negative decision by the Re fugee Determination Division and had not lodged a request for a
ministerial waiver. In P.S. v. Canada8 the Committee had found the communication
inadmissible on the grounds that the complainant had not applied for judicial review of a
decision denying his request for a ministerial waiver.
4.10 According to the State party, Mr. Saut Villamar will not be deported from Canada
without having had an opportunity to request an assessment of the risks involved in returning to
his country. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act provides that persons in Canada may
apply for protection if they are subject to a removal order and fear that their removal would
expose them to the risk of persecution on one of the grounds established in the Convention
relating to the Status of Refugees or to the risk of being subjected to torture within the meaning
of article 1 of the Convention against Torture, or would put their life at risk or expose them to
the risk of cruel treatment. In the event of a negative decision regarding the pre-removal risk
assessment, an application for judicial review may be made to the Federal Court.
4.11 Lastly, the State party argues that the complainant may apply for permanent residence on
humanitarian grounds.
4.12 As to the complainant Ms. Osorio Cancino, the State party emphasizes that she had
temporary worker status in Canada until 8 December 2003. After that date she could apply for
refugee status if she was afraid to return to Mexico, and if a removal order was issued against her
she could apply for pre-removal risk assessment. She could also apply for permanent residence
under the Live- in Caregiver Programme. Lastly, she could apply for permanent residence in
Canada on the basis of humanitarian considerations. In each case, the decision wo uld be subject
to judicial review.
4.13 The State party maintains that the complainants have not exhausted the domestic
remedies available to them and have not demonstrated that such remedies would be unreasonably
prolonged or unlikely to bring effective relief. The complaint should therefore be found
inadmissible.
6
Bahaddar v. Netherlands, communication No. 145/1996/764/965.
7
R.K. v. Canada, communication No. 47/1996.
8
P.S. v. Canada, communication No. 86/1997.
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