Inhumane behavior by the immigration officials led to unfulfilled dreams

It seems that my dog is valued more than my daughter in Canada simply because my daughter is disabled, said Mr. Chapman in a dull and low voice.

Mr. Chapman and his family dreamt of a beautiful life in Canada. They planned a new beginning here. The British family sold their house and bought a farmhouse in Nova Scotia, where their arrival was supported by the local authorities. But unfortunately, six hours after they arrived here they were their daughter, Lucy will not be allowed in Canada because of her disability, said the family.

Mr. Chapman said that they had all the necessary documents. But, as soon as the border guard looked at their passports at the Halifax Airport, the atmosphere changed. They were told that because their daughter is disabled, so she has a lifetime ban from entering Canada. Therefore, they shouldn’t have brought her in with them. Mr. Chapman said that everything that the officials were saying was absolutely unbelievable.

Lucy is actually suffering from a very rare genetic defect that is called Angelman syndrome. Due to the defect she possesses a reduced mental state and inability to speak. But the fact is that she is absolutely normal physically and she does not require any medical care as well. Mrs. Chapman, 45, a former police officer from London said that she has never come across such a transparent discrimination in her whole life. She is absolutely shocked by the fact that they are not allowing Lucy simply because she is a bit different from others and not actually any threat to others.

After waiting for over five hours, the family was finally allowed to leave the airport but not totally as their passport was seized. Eighteen days later, the family received a letter that stated that they have to leave the country.

The family started thinking about moving to Canada in the year 2005 after Mr. Chapman applied for leave in order to study at the Ontario University. At that time the national law meant that Lucy would not be allowed into Canada but the ban is no more into existence and she is now allowed in Canada.

A spokesperson for Citizenship and Immigration Canada said that he cannot comment upon the Chapman case specifically but said that disabled people are allowed in Canada. He said that the Chapmans are welcomed into Canada but they have to follow the proper process which also includes making sure that their residency permit is in place before they arrive here.