Opposition MPs are questioning the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration over allegations her election campaign office was exploited as a means of speeding immigration to Canada.

The row stems from a special ministerial permit Sgro's office granted to 25-year-old Romanian immigration applicant, Alina Balaican, just three days before the June election.

Under the terms of the temporary residence permit, Balaican can remain in Canada for another two years, and apply for permanent resident status.

Balaican reportedly came to Canada on a temporary work permit that allowed her to perform as an exotic dancer. She later volunteered in Sgro's York West riding campaign office in Toronto.

Sgro says she can't remember Balaican, or granting the permit.

In the House of Commons daily question period on Monday, Sgro came under fire for her allegedly undue influence in the case.

Citing a memo from Sgro's chief of staff, Conservative MP Diane Ablonczy said there's evidence the minister knows more than she's letting on.

"The minister knew what she was doing, and knew who she was doing it for," Ablonczy said, asking the minister to clear up what she believes is a contradiction.

"Justify political favours to an exotic dancer and personal supporter while promising to repair a broken and unfair system," Ablonczy asked.

Rising on the minister's behalf, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Hedy Fry told the House that what the minister did was not unusual.

"Members on both sides of this house know very well that the minister of citizenship and immigration can issue such a permit on humanitarian compassionate grounds," Fry said.

"Many members," she added, "have interceded on behalf of constituents where these same humanitarian compassionate grounds haven't been discussed. "

Watching the to-and-fro in Ottawa, CTV's Mike Duffy said the reply is probably accurate.

"Ms. Fry said this was done on many occasions on behalf of members on all sides of the House, and to be fair to the minister that is the case."

Sgro raised eyebrows in July, when she signalled her intent to overhaul the refugee act so that potential deportees would no longer be able to seek religious asylum.

"Nobody is exempt from the law, no matter where you are," Sgro said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

Calling the sanctuary allowance a "troublesome loophole," Sgro suggested individuals seeking assistance with immigration or refugee status applications should approach her ministry.

"It's a very difficult issue to deal with and, frankly, if we start using the churches as the back door to enter Canada, we're going to have huge problems," she said.