Immigrants stage protest seeking $25,000 deposit back
WAYNE THIBODEAU The Guardian
Jinhui Gao, a Chinese immigrant on P.E.I., vents his anger during a protest Wednesday in Charlottetown at the Prince Edward Island Business Development offices. He and other immigrants say the provincial government has not returned their “good faith’’ deposits of $25,000 each paid when they immigrated to the province. Guardian photo by Brian McInnis
A group of nine Chinese investors who were demanding their money back from a provincial government program that aims to connect immigrant money with local business were removed by Charlottetown police officers Wednesday from a downtown office building.
The immigrants staged a sit-in at the offices of P.E.I. Business Development, demanding their $25,000 “good faith’’ deposit back. The money is supposed to be returned after the immigrants have lived in Canada for over a year.
But some investors who have been in Prince Edward Island for up to two years have not seen one cent of that money returned.
The immigrants say they were promised a face-to-face meeting, but after waiting five hours the only face-to-face meeting they had was with Charlottetown police officers.
Jinhui “John’’ Gao of Charlottetown says his faith in Canada is being rocked by how he’s being treated.
“Our heart broken because Canada, P.E.I., is freedom, human right, fair but until now liar, liar, liar,’’ Gao shouted in broken English.
“All of us a little disappointed.’’
Gao invested $105,000 in a P.E.I. business, plus $20,000 for a language deposit, and the $25,000 for a “good faith’’ deposit, bringing his total investment in the program to $150,000.
He doesn’t even know what Island business that this money was invested into.
Gao is now fearful, after reading reports of a police investigation into the program, that his money may be gone.
“I said, ‘I need answer. I need result.’ They call police,’’ he said.
“We waited five hours but nobody came here. Policemen come here. It’s our right. I just want my money returned. It is my money. But why? I’m confused, why so difficult?’’
There was an officer with a private security firm at the front door of the provincial government office, an unusual sight in a province where residents have free access to most provincial government offices, including the premier’s office.
Gao, who’s lived in the province 13 months, said he’s not going away. He plans to return to P.E.I. Business Development today with upwards of 300 Chinese investors, all of whom will be demanding their $25,000 “good faith’’ deposit back.
Up until a couple of weeks ago few knew anything about the Provincial Nominee Program, referred to as PNP. The program expedites Canadian visas for immigrants who have money and are willing to invest it into Island companies.
Millions of dollars have been invested in P.E.I. Now, the RCMP are looking into an allegation of fraud. The auditor general is suggesting he too may look into the program. And the Conservative opposition is calling for a committee of the P.E.I. legislature to probe PNP.
Innovation Minister Richard Brown, who oversees the program, called an emergency meeting of his staff Wednesday night to discuss what happened.
But Brown said the reason why some of the immigrants are not getting their money back is they have not completed the proper documentation, which proves they’ve lived in P.E.I. for more than a year.
“They sign a good faith deposit form that says ‘this is the information you shall provide’ and if you provide this information we will return the deposit,’’ said Brown, adding hundreds of immigrants have received their money back.
“If we start just giving money back, without the proper documentation, we could be audited.’’
Brown said he does not know who called in the police Wednesday, but he said he was not consulted. That, despite the fact the acting CEO of P.E.I. Business Development is Brown’s own deputy minister, Michael Mayne.
“I asked staff, ‘what is going on here?’ I’m concerned about this. I don’t want Prince Edward Island’s reputation tarnished in any way here. If these immigrants deserve their money back they will be given their money back, simple and easy. I am not going to hold any money back from immigrants that come to this country.’’
The Guardian is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online conversation among our readers.
This is a moderated conversation. Once a reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it goes to a moderator for the website. Once it has been approved, your comment will be displayed on the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable content.
JD from PE writes: Time for Inquiry. Or else Time to call in the Mounties.
This is getting out of hand now. Government MLA's and Cabinet Ministers getting money through this program but don't want to talk about it when asked.
Immigrants who invested their money in good faith now can't get any answers.
A Premier who changes his story from day to day.
Time for the Government to come clean and face the music.
This is a very large scandal. A legislative committee made up of MLA's some of who received money but haven't come forth and said so yet are sitting on that committee.
This is much bigger than people can see.
The Only people who can get to the bottom of this scandal is the Auditor General in conjunction with the RCMP.
Time for the Mounties and the Auditor to get to work.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Susan Behi from PEI writes: The PEI government has to fulfill it's commitmment.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
PEIdevil from Charlottetown, PEI writes: Squirm Richie, squirm.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Dave Fitzpatrick from Oita, Japan writes: This story sickens me and completely shatters what little faith I had in the government of PEI. These individuals came to PEI with their hopes ,dreams and whatever money they had and now the government is screwing them over in a truly cruel fashion. For a lot of you who read this story I am sure you will have very little empathy as you have lived most of your life on PEI so you may not understand the troubles and stress involved in taking up residence in another country. There are more than enough things to worry about, such as language,culture,food,employment, discrimination, just to name a few. You should not have to worry about being misused by the very government that invited you there in the first place. What's with this good faith deposit anyway? If and when they do get it back, do they also get the interest that it would have accumulated over a year? Who does? Where have their investments gone? Does anyone at the PEI Business Development know? If the Island government is sincere about helping people immigrate to PEI, I hope they get their act together and do whatever they can to make the transition as easy as possible.aside from the injustice to these people, as an Islander, I hate to see our beautiful island's image tarnished by the very people we have put in charge of protecting it.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Joe Smith from Alberta writes: It seems bizarre to me that one would invest thousands of dollers into a foreign company not knowing any of the details. Are these immigrants employed on PEI? If it as simple as filling out a form to get the 25,000$ then I wonder what the misunderstanding could be?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Joe M from Charlottetown, PEI writes: I applaud these people for standing up for themselves. If all that is keeping them from getting their money back is simple documentation, why not take the time to explain that to them instead of calling the police on them?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Is anyone else thinking PEI MLA businesses from ice cream to car dealers, is in the middle of this? writes: Will the Guardian uncover the biggest story facing the Ghiz gov't?
Or will this be swept under the mat?
Other papers may publish what businesses and their owners names benfitted from these immigrants.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
petr from pei writes: Mr Brown thinks we could be audited ....wow imagine this thing getting autided! I hope the RCMP takes care of this thing-the whole thing sounds really sketchy....easy money
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Don't believe the Hype from PE writes: I am sure that like any story, there is two sides. This is why 'buying' citizenship was never a good idea. But for some reason, despite our high unemployment rate, politicians in their infinate wisdom, believe we need more people here, from different countries, whom often don't speak either official language very well.
The easiest way to solve the problem, but obvious not the most politically correct way, would be to sit down with the contracts. As the immigrant comes in and demands their money, if they have the proper documentation, give them their money as wish them well. If they don't have the proper documentation, give them their money, have the police escort them to the airport, put them on a plane, and deliver them right to their country of origin. Reward those who follow the rules, and at the same time, ship out the troublemakers. I bet there would not be 300 people demanding money today!
If the RCMP and the Auditor General find that there were major problems with this program, I hope the Minister and Deputy Minister will do the right thing and tender their resignations.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
the insider from montague, p.e.i writes: Just a question, What company set in place by the Binns government looked after this programme, and who are the principals of this company Thanks the insider
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
yeah...right from PEI writes: Police arrive to wisk them away....government stonewalling and lies....sounds alot like what you came here to get away from doesn't it Mr Gao.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Brian Tancowny from PEI writes: After reading this story, my first thought was oh my god what is happening to our country. How can we let just anyone here because they have cash. We don't even know who these people are and how can we check their backgrounds? This is a bad bad idea. It just allows someone to fast track their citizenship by jumping the cue and then disappearing to the larger city centres of this country.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
islanders behaving badly from PE writes: It's starting to sound a lot like the police removed the wrong people from the scene. The immigrant investor program is supposed to be an investment by the immigrants, not a donation. Even Bush Dumville said this morning on CBC that he, as a recipient of immigrant investment, is not expected to return any of the money and referred to it as a grant. It's beginning to sound like the investors in this program have not been treated fairly or legally.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
think about it from PEI writes: Before all you Conservatives start yelling for Richard or Ghiz's head.. think about it. This program has been around for years... and they have been around for a little over one year. They could not have created this problem. Maybe they added to it.. but they certainly are not the only to blame.
They inherited this problem from Binns.
If I were the Conservative opposition calling for a probe... I d be careful what I wish for....
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Where is Ghiz? from PEI writes: not s liberal conservative thing - it is a theft moral issue and this government is the most corrupt government EVER!!!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Concerned from PEI writes: But Brown said the reason why some of the immigrants are not getting their money back is they have not completed the proper documentation, which proves they’ve lived in P.E.I. for more than a year.
***Why don't they hold some sort of information session or workshop to help the people complete the documentation to get their money back? They are new to our country and it doesn't sound like they are getting any help at all with their problems, just being sent away with no answers. People shouldn't be treated like this. Obviously, it is their money, and after a year here it should be returned to them. This point is acknowledged in the article. So why then can't someone help them complete the documentation to get their money back? These people have come to Canada for a better life.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
George from Charlottetown, PEI writes: These immigrants were forces to pay a 20,000 language deposit with an additional 25,000 good faith deposit on top of their monies invested into Island businesses and further the Government is withholding that good faith deposit past the date it should be returned. When has the political integrity of Boss Hog from Hazzard County become the norm in our Island Government? Gao stated that he would be returning today with 300 other immigrants all of whom are owed that 25,000 good faith deposit back, that’s seven Million five hundred thousand dollars being withheld by our politicians, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane of the City Polece will be busy today.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Jacqueline from PEI writes: So about 400 million to little old PEI in 6 months? It is no wonder the Federal Citizenship and Immigration office wants to know what the heck is going on here. How is this program administered? How does an Island Business qualify for this? Bigger question is why is the PEI gov stealing money from immigrants? Does any of this sound somewhat illegal to anyone else? If you have enough money you can buy a Visa into Canada. I would also be very interested to see the list of businesses who received theses funds. Something does not sit wellabout this whole situation.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
brian hancox from saint john, n.b. writes: The Ministers comments are an absolute farce and an insult to Islanders arounf the World. This man should be removed immediately and an auditor appointed to investigate the complaints. In no way should they investigate themselves.
None of the chinese immigrants have seen their money and many have been waiting for two years and the Minister says the reason for that is because they have not filled out the proper paperwork to prove they have lived in P.E.I. one year? Hello. Is anyone home? You have their money. You have the date you received their money. Is the year up or not? Why is this basic paperwork so difficult? Also, they would all have medicare. Why not look and see when their cards were issued?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Doug from Ch'town, PEI writes: I've heard of this program and thought about trying to get in on it, but I decided not to as it sounded way to good to be true. I know a guy who sponsors three or 4 immigrants. He has a PEI business that doesn't even operate. He just has a registarted comany name. He gets $20,000 for each immigrant and then get another $25,000 that he has to pay back in a year. So he gets to keep the $20,000 and for one year he invests the $25,000 and keeps the interest. Only in PEI.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Pissed off! from PEI writes: When the businesses that received this money sell - do the investor get their money back?????? I don't know who started this program but whomever did needs to be held accountable & the Liberal Government should be held accountable for their abuse of this program. Imagine paying for entrance to our country!!!! SHAME SHAME CANADA
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Supporter from Charlottetown, PEI writes: Well said concerned . These people are here on good faith. They face language barriers, literacy barriers and filling out a simple form may not be so simple for someone who doesnt know how.. or even that they have to. I know having had the pleasure of dealing with the help offered from Govt staff in doing anything how useless that is... most of the people affected likely have no idea what is expected of them, let alone how to get it done. Isnt the responsiblity on the organizing agency (PNP) to contact the immigrants, tell them what they need to do. In this day and age, I find it impossible to believe that no one kept track of when immigrants got here, and where they went.
I'd like to see all the supporters from here, and across PEI to join the immigrants on the sidewalk today. Im pretty sure as voting Canadian citizens we have a right to peaceful protest.
How do our Governement officials and employees stay employed??? If you pulled this stuff at Tim Hortans you'd be fired in a blink!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Bill Bradley from Johnstons River, PE writes: Does this not smell like yet another government scandal, the next thing I suppose they will be charging Islanders that work out west an exit fee to travel to Alberta and back.
Give these people their money back and expose the businesses that benefited from it and see which ones are relatives of either Mp's or MLA's .
Is it not enough that the provincial government used these peoples money to gain the interest off of it, now they don't want to give it back.
I don't know what is so hard to understand what a DEPOSIT means, I don't think that it can in any way shape or form be mistaken for a grant. If these politicians that we voted in are that confused, it makes me wonder why they were voted into power in the first place.
I agree with others, get the RCMP and the Auditor General to work on this and expose everything about it, and not just the Liberal side of it, also the Conservative side of it.
One more thing, they fast track immigration for people who have money and they talk about human rights in China and other countries, how about a little human rights here in our own, after all the Bin Ladens have a little bit of money, I wonder if the province would welcome them as well for a price.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Don't believe the Hype from PE writes: So Mr. Gao came here, forked out $150K with no idea where the money was going, and 'may' not have filled out the papers required by the contract he signed to verify that he has been in Canada 1 year.
If he came here with enough money that he could afford to fork over $150K, surely he must have enough businees sense to ask where the money is being invested. He either didn't care as long as he got his citizenship, or he is not being as forth right with all the information.
The Auditor General is looking into the program. The RCMP are investigating one complaint. I think I will reserve finding the program corrupt until the facts and findings are released.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Bewildered from PEI writes: Because of a few greedy Islanders, we are all tarnished as a crooked place. If, as Bush Dumbville stated, they don't have to pay any money back, where do the investors expect to get any money? Rumor mills are flying and HUGE names are being discussed. I drove by Michael Mayne's office an hour ago and the TV cameras were already there.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Proud Islander from PEI writes: The more I read and hear about the PNP program, the more revolting it gets. What has our government, professional and business community been up to --- have they lost sense of good judgement, integrity and human decency.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Conservative Backlash from S'side, PE writes: Funny how this is now a government issue and brought up by the conservatives. It was running rampid when the consevatives were in power. The whole process needs to be monitored more closely with the immigrants getting proper representation. These people invest there life savings, yes there happy to become canadian citizens but the terms of the agreement should be followed through.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
well ... from pei writes: If they fill out the paper work they get their money ... what's the big deal. If they have so much cash floating around to invest $45G's than they should be able to afford a translater and figure out what they need to do to get their Money and move to Toronto like all the ones before them.
The issue isn't the gov't illegally withholding money, it is the fact that these people paid cash to come into the country with the requirement of staying in PEI for one year and none of them have otherwise they would supply the papers and be gone with their $$$.
Thanks for your cash now sleep in the bed you've made.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Bill Bradley from Johnstons River, PE writes: Funny, I put up a post and the Guardian never put it on here, I responded after George from Charlottetown and I noticed that two other comments were made and I don't see mine up here. I guess I must have went overboard when I stated that I wanted transparency from the government and that the public should be notified of the use of these funds and by whom.
Also about the bribery from this investors fund to expedite immigration for a fee.
I guess there is no freedom of speech here after all.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
I'm with You! from pei writes: Some very good points have been brought up by *** lol, Don't believe the hype, well... , and even Mr. Buttkiss.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
ARMY ANT from PE writes: As they are now Canadien citizens they are now guarenteed certian rights such as just to name a few,,,
FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS.
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and
(d) freedom of association.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Bob from PEI writes: The immigrant investor program was designed as a means to fast track the immigration process for those with the ability to invest $200K in a Canadian company. Under the plan, immigrants applied to a provinicial board, which in PEI's case was BDI, and they were nominated for permanent resident's status by the province in which they would live. This shortened a competitive three year or more process to a selective one year or less process. The purpose here was that immigrant investors would come to Canada with a stake in a business already established. As such, they would be better positioned to earn an income and contirbute to their new home. The statement by Bush Dumville and others that he received a grant is absolutely a fallacy. If he received money, then the immigrant who invested that money under the program is supposed to own a piece of his business. If others have simply pocketed the money, as has been implied, then definitely fraud has occurred and this is about to get real troublesome for some. The national news has picked up and is running with the story.
The program quickly became a conduit for rich immigrants to get Canadian status. Perhaps the most well publicized failing of the system is the Chinese national who came to BC under the program last year - after embezzling billions from China and then seeking to hide in Canada.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Please explain from PE writes: Now the news says they are cutting cheques, where is this money coming from? Surely NOT from the taxpayers.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
good faith from pe writes: according to the gov.pe.ca website this is what proof they require :
Good Faith Deposit
As evidence of good faith, the Province of Prince Edward Island requires the principal applicant to pay a $25,000.00 Canadian dollar deposit which is fully refundable, without interest, one year after landing provided that the Immigrant Partner can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Province that:
The Immigrant Partner is active in the investee company as a director or senior management employee; and
The Immigrant Partner and his/her family maintain a residence in Prince Edward Island. Evidence that the Immigrant Partner is active in the investee company as a director or senior management employee will take the form of a declaration to this effect by the Chair of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the investee company, and the Immigrant Partner.
Evidence that a residence is maintained in Prince Edward Island may include:
A pre-arranged visit to establish that the dwelling is owned/leased and occupied by the immigrant family;
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Jim from PE writes: Now they received their checks today? Was this tax payers money? I thought the taxpayer would not be on the hook for any ofthis?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Jimmy the West Ender from Summerside, PEI writes: Glad to see the c'town crew being well looked after and again the people of Prince County were dupped by this government- turned your back on the grassroots and PC. This will be a one term government. Conservatives should start lining up good candidates now in Prince County- One term for the Liberal Party of C'town.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
check it out from pe writes: as part of the proof they need to provide : in order to get the money back they have to prove The Immigrant Partner is active in the investee company as a director or senior management employee - if they don't know what business their money went into obviously they can't prove that....so obviously the program wasn't run as it was supposed to have been.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
wondering about it from pei writes: I'm pretty sure the way the program is structured is that when an immigrant shows they have been a resident of PEI for 1 year, the good faith deposit which is held by Government is refunded to them. I believe proof of residency is established by receipts of such things as power bills, telephone bills, receipts for rent etc.
Once that is shown the money is refunded. I believe that if the immigrant just uses the program to gain citizenship and then lives somewhere else they forfeit the good faith deposit. That seems to line up with what Minister Brown is saying.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
desilverwolf smells bad from charlottetown, pei writes: What exactly does this mean ? Did a person that had a hand in the joining of immigrant and business receive money from this program ? It sure reads that way. Were there shells set up solely to qualify for investment money ? Wouldn't each of these immigrants have shares in whatever company received their money ? If the company was, in fact, a shell, then where the heck's the money ?
Shouldn't these immigrants have been receiving profits from whatever company had the use of their money ?
At this point in time, the whole things sounds like dirty pool to me. Never mind excusing the Liberals based on the fact that this was, you say, a Conservative program. Government is not supposed to work that way. If there's a bad decision made by previous governments, the current government should have been aware of it and acted in all haste to clean it up.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
check it out from pei writes: in order to get their 25000 back see this :
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/ISPNPIP03.pdf
if they dont' know where the money went they are not actively involved in the company and won't get it back
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
jgalanciak from Polska writes: ....so it works like this....you get $50K units (usually 4x $50k each if in manufacturing, 2 in retail, 1 if a service co.) ...the company loans 45% to the management company in lieu of shares to be redeemed after 5 years which us held by Govt and collects interest....and pay 27.5% in fees to our local lawyers, accountants, brokers and intermediaries....then the pei company gets a net of 27.5% of the cash for investment and is graced by new directors who you never meet, do nothing and have no voting rights. ...Problem is there are a couple ways to do it so we may have a 1000 companies on PEI in debt to Chinese investors after 5 years! Get ready for Hannah G or Wendy M.....
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Mel from PE writes: Corruption and greed is alive in the government of PEI- it is amazing the amount of money this government has fleeced out of the immigrant programs- disgusting is only a mild expression for this.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
William Apple from Queens County, pei writes: 500 million in less than a year and no evidence of so much a single job. Since november 2007 there have been 1950 new companies registered on PEI. Over 1850 companies received 'free' money from this program. The only one yet to be named is Bush Dumville but more will follow. Even the premiers wife has a new company, as does many other Liberals on PEI. I believe this program to be morally and ethically bankrupt and shows the level at which this gang operates. There are very real and serious problems on PEI and this is what Richard,Robert, Michael, Chris et naseum are busy with... It will be three long bitter years for this government and, if they make it that fa,r they will then be kicked out on their collective rear ends.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Ben Theredonethat from Charlottetown, PEI writes: I can see the frustration of these people but to watch the way they acted was a joke. They were venting on everyone who would listen and not on who was responsible.
Took some pile of cops to clear em out.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Bob from PEI writes: Just listen to ole Bush Dumville on the CBC interview. He specifically states that he has no contact with the investors he received money from and that he wouldn't allow them to have any say in the company for their investment other than maybe coming to a shareholder meeting. Clearly, the money was taken with no expectation that anyone who invested could ever qualify for return of deposit or ever see a return on their investment. This is a clear cut attempt to take money from people trying to immigrate to the country fully expecting that the person would either not get in or would be too scared to fight for their rights. And only the special few got in on the gravy train. Mark my words - this has national scandal written all over it. Say good-bye to Asian-based tourism and the myth of the gentle island.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
eb from pei writes: To think about it from PEI
not all islanders are pc IM not. mouthing off at all islanders accusing us being pc
big mistake . you are way out of line .
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
I love a scandal from Ontario writes: I love this story. The poor island businessmen who each got to scam an immigrant out of about 50 grand for a useless share of a corporation. They could do this 4 times for each business. What a nice haul for some underperforming enterprise on the island that is barely making payroll. I understand the farmers however couldnt particpate in this ripoff of NonCanadians. Too bad for them. I cant wait to see what the next scam. people from away like to think Islanders are so helpful, but they are as quick to pick-pocket as anyone.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
NOTE
The management of this site emphasizes that it is in no way liable for persons, physical or legal, who are hosted here. Moreover, the managers of this site may not be held liable for errors and omissions that may slip into the information displayed in these reader comments. Everyone who submits a comment should read, understand and agree to the Terms of Usage for this section.
6
