Claude Perras might leave Canada if it won't recognize adoption in Sierra Leone
Canadian Claude Perras has been waiting in Sierra Leone for approval from Canada to return with baby Ella
A Canadian man waiting to bring his adopted daughter Ella back from Sierra Leone says if the government won’t allow it, he might have to move his family out of Canada.
- Claude Perras still waiting for Visa for adopted Ella in Sierra Leone
- Ella, toddler from Sierra Leone, still can't join adoptive family in Montreal
Claude Perras of Longueuil, Que. said he’s been in limbo since he first went to Sierra Leone to get 18-month-old Ella in October.
He originally thought delays were due to Ebola fears.
Now, officials with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) said they fear the adoption doesn’t meet the required criteria. The department said it is concerned the adoption did not comply with local laws.
Perras said he did everything right in the adoption process. He said Canadian authorities are going overboard.
Citizenship and Immigration has asked for an affidavit from the judge who presided over the adoption case. The department claims Perras would not provide him with one.
Perras said Sierra Leonean authorities were offended by the request.
"The judge was furious. He was so angry. He said, ‘This is undermining my authority.'"
In a statement, Citizenship and Immigration said it's common practice to ask authorities for proof of the adoption.
Perras is still in Freetown, Sierra Leone, waiting for the visa.