Explained: Bill C-12, latest introduction by Canada to tighten immigration into the country
Bill C-12, or Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, includes many changes around border security and may also see new ineligibility rules for refugee claimants. The move is being seen by many as mirroring the strict stance on immigration followed by the country's neighbour USA.
New Delhi: Canada introduced a new bill, titled Bill C-12, which includes many changes around border security along with new ineligibility rules for refugee claimants. It is being seen as following in the footsteps of the US, as Canada looks to strengthen its immigration rules. The bill, also called Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, is being seen as having xenophobic undertones, and is expected to bring overhauling changes to Canada’s immigration process and that of refugee induction.
What is the bill?
Bill C-12 was fast-tracked and passed through a third reading in the House of Commons on December 11, before members of parliament rose for the holidays. If it receives Senate approval in February, it will become law.
The legislation marked an unprecedented expansion of executive power in terms of information-sharing about refugees between government agencies. It also gives unprecedented power to authorities when it comes to control, cancel or change immigration documents or processes.
A major change involves that asylum claims made more than one year after the claimant arrived in Canada would not be referred to the immigration and refugee board of Canada as is the current process. They would instead be sent to an immigration officer for a pre-removal risk assessment.
Key features of the bill
The introduction of the new bill comes amidst a need in Canada for better management of borders and immigration systems needing an update. It is also being said to be brought about to combat new security challenges that are coming in due to unchecked immigration.
As a result of this, the Bill C-12 is being floated. Once passed, it would give border, immigration and law enforcement agencies renewed powers to be more efficient and stringent in their action. It will also give law enforcement more powers, some of the key issues against which these powers are being granted are said to be fighting transnational organized crime, stopping the flow of illegal fentanyl coming in Canada and cracking down on money laundering.
Likely effects and pushbacks?
The introduction of the bill follows a slow but steady trend of similar strict and restrictive measures being brought about in Canada. For example, Canada has placed significant restrictions on international student numbers since 2024. Many of these might need to claim asylum, but if the new bill becomes a law they would face significant struggles to do so.
The pre-removal risk assessment process under the new bill is being touted as a major risk factor. It is one that does not give asylum seekers a fair hearing and really seeks to remove them from the country as swiftly as possible.
Another notable aspect includes the bill granting the Governor in Council discretionary powers to suspend or terminate immigration application processing or cancel documents when deemed in the "public interest" based on specific grounds like fraud or national security. Detractors are claiming that the definition of ‘public interest’ is vague in the document. The bill also allows for expanded information sharing by the Minister of Immigration with other administrative units, this too is garnering criticism from many quarters.