Liberal-appointed senator Kim Pate is demanding answers from immigration officials over why U.S. President Donald Trump was allowed into Canada for the G7 summit despite his recent criminal convictions, pointing to federal rules that typically bar entry to foreigners with such records.Blacklock's Reporter says Pate, a long-time prisoners' rights advocate, raised the issue during a Senate national finance committee hearing, referencing Canadian immigration law that requires individuals with past convictions to prove rehabilitation and wait at least five years after completing their sentence before becoming eligible for entry.“I received many calls this past week about a certain G7 attendee who was convicted barely a year ago of 34 crimes,” said Pate, who did not name Trump directly. “Typically a person with these kinds of criminal convictions would not be deemed admissible to Canada.”.Pate asked immigration officials whether Trump received special treatment, such as the use of a diplomatic passport or an exemption, to bypass usual restrictions.“I know many people are asking that question,” she said. “I have not been able to provide an answer so I am seeking it from you.”Pemi Gill, assistant deputy minister of immigration, declined to comment on Trump’s specific case.“I wouldn’t be able to speak to the specific case in question,” she said..Gill explained that the law allows for case-by-case exceptions based on intent of travel and other factors, adding, “It is assessed case by case and dependent on the intent of entry to Canada.”When asked to confirm that most applicants must wait years beyond the five-year mark to overcome inadmissibility, Gill reiterated that each application is judged individually.Trump arrived in Kananaskis, Alberta on Sunday to attend the G7 summit and left for Washington the following evening.In a March 13 media scrum, Trump expressed affection for Canadians. “I love Canada,” he said. “I love the people of Canada. The Great One, Wayne Gretzky the Great. How good is Wayne Gretzky? He’s the Great One.”
