MICHELLE Rempel, Conservative Critic for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of misleading Canadians and newcomers when it comes to the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program.

She said: “All he has actually done is increase the number of applications to the program, without increasing the number of parents and grandparents that get permanent residence each year.

“In fact, by increasing the number of applications but not changing the numbers that are accepted, Justin Trudeau is creating a processing backlog. Access to a waiting list is not access into Canada, and Canadians and newcomers expect better.

“Under our previous Conservative government, we provided permanent residency to 20,000 to 25,000 parents and grandparents each year, while also tackling the backlog in applications. Justin Trudeau has not increased this number. Instead, he is prioritizing tens of thousands of illegal border crossers to gain entry into Canada.

“Last year, Trudeau tested a reckless experiment on the program by instituting a lottery system, and this year he only gave applicants 10 minutes to fill out the sponsorship form. Canadians know that this is not fair.

“Conservatives will continue to hold the Trudeau government to account and expose their attempt to mislead the public.”