OTTAWA – Immigration Minister Lena Diab has voiced her support for Bill C-12, a significant piece of legislation currently under consideration by Members of Parliament (MPs). This bill seeks to empower the Canadian government with new capabilities to restrict both permanent and temporary immigration applications, stating that such measures could have proved beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The revised border security bill, C-12, would grant the government extensive new immigration authority. This includes the capacity to limit immigration applications and cancel existing immigration documents when deemed necessary for the public interest. It is important to note that any such orders would require authorization from the Cabinet and would be temporary in nature.
Minister Diab emphasized that obtaining this type of authorization would not be a simple task, indicating that the proposed powers to restrict or revoke immigration applications are intended for use only in extreme situations. These situations would arise when public safety or national security is seriously threatened, underscoring the legislation's aim to balance immigration control with safety considerations.
Julia Sande, a human rights and policy lawyer affiliated with Amnesty International Canada, provided critical insights regarding this legislation. She highlighted that Canada had previously given temporary foreign workers in the agriculture and food processing sectors exemptions from pandemic-related travel restrictions. This exemption reflects a nuanced approach to immigration during the health crisis and raises questions about the broader implications of the proposed bill.
Another significant aspect of Bill C-12 is its provision that would prevent individuals from making asylum claims if they have been in Canada for more than one year. This provision has raised concerns among advocacy groups regarding the rights of asylum seekers and the potential impacts of limiting their opportunities to claim refuge in Canada.
This significant legislative effort is being closely monitored as it progresses through parliamentary discussions. The bill aims to address gaps in immigration policy that were highlighted during the pandemic and seeks to ensure that the Canadian immigration system maintains its integrity while being responsive to circumstances that may jeopardize public safety.
As the situation develops, various stakeholders, including human rights advocates and immigration experts, will continue to weigh in on the implications of the proposed changes. Minister Diab's statements reflect the government's intention to safeguard national interests while navigating the complex landscape of immigration during uncertain times.
