Citizenship and Immigration

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss the supplementary budget estimates for 2025-26 related to immigration. The meeting focused on how the government is managing the immigration system, including reducing temporary residents, addressing asylum claims, and ensuring the integrity of the international student program. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab, along with several department officials, answered questions from committee members. The committee approved a $500 budget for the study. Minister Diab highlighted the government's plan to bring immigration back to sustainable levels by prioritizing skilled newcomers and reducing the number of temporary residents. She outlined how the supplementary estimates would support these priorities, including providing funds to Toronto for refugee housing, modernizing digital services, and improving the passport program. She stated that the government is on track to meet its targets and restore public confidence in the immigration system. Committee members raised concerns about various issues, including the impact of a proposed law (Bill C-3) on citizenship applications, the file review process for asylum seekers, and the integrity of the international student program. Some members questioned whether the government was doing enough to address fraud and ensure that resources were being allocated effectively. The Auditor General's report on the international student program was a key point of discussion, with members questioning the department's handling of potential fraud cases. Officials clarified that the department is working to improve its investigation processes and is collaborating with other agencies to address security concerns. They also discussed the government's efforts to support asylum claimants and work with provinces and territories to manage resources. The committee requested additional information on various topics, including the number of proof of citizenship applications and the distribution of funding to municipalities for housing asylum seekers. Ultimately, the committee members and the minister disagreed on whether the current policies were effective and whether the government was prioritizing the right issues. The meeting adjourned with plans to continue the study of Canada's immigration system at a later date.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss Canada's immigration system, focusing on asylum claims and security protocols. The committee wanted to understand how the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) processes claims, especially concerning security risks and potential fraud. They also discussed a National Post article about asylum claims and security protocols. Representatives from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (IRCC), and the IRB were present to answer questions. Manon Brassard, Chairperson of the IRB, explained the IRB's process for reviewing asylum claims, including a file review process for claims that appear straightforward and low-risk. She emphasized that security screenings are conducted by CBSA and IRCC before claims reach the IRB. Committee members questioned the criteria for determining low-risk claims and raised concerns about potential security risks being overlooked in the file review process. Brett Bush from CBSA explained the security checks done at the border and how they work with other agencies like CSIS. Members of the committee raised concerns about specific cases, including one involving an alleged Iranian official, and questioned why the IRB was protecting his identity. They also discussed the number of individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Canada and the deportation process. Some committee members expressed frustration with the slow pace of deportations and suggested changes to the law to make it easier to remove individuals deemed a security risk. Overall, the committee aimed to understand the processes in place for assessing asylum claims, identifying security risks, and ensuring the safety of Canadians. Several committee members requested specific data and documents from the agencies to further their understanding of the issues. A motion was put forward calling for a review of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and for the government to release the name of the alleged Iranian official.

The Citizenship and Immigration Committee met to discuss Canada's immigration system, hearing from several witnesses. Laila Elcano from Caregivers' Action Samaritan Movement spoke about the challenges faced by caregivers, including family separation and difficulties with language tests. She also raised concerns about unethical immigration lawyers. Nino Melikidze from Immitracker discussed problems with the Express Entry system, arguing that it has lost its focus on skilled immigrants and is being distorted by francophone immigration targets. She suggested separating linguistic objectives from economic selection and prioritizing STEM and healthcare workers. Ranya Elfil from the Sudanese Canadian Community Association shared the community's experience with delays and inequities in processing applications for Sudanese people affected by the war. She highlighted the financial burdens on sponsors and the deadly consequences of prolonged processing times. She asked for a standardized crisis response framework and equity safeguards in humanitarian programs. James Yousif, a lawyer, raised concerns about the Immigration and Refugee Board's file review policy, which allows asylum claims to be accepted without a hearing. He argued that this policy increases risk and may attract more asylum claims to Canada. He recommended ending the policy and giving ministers more oversight of asylum policy. David Pierce from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of immigration for economic growth and the need for certainty and predictability in the immigration system. He acknowledged pressures on housing and infrastructure but highlighted labor challenges in rural communities and specific sectors. Liane Roy and Alain Dupuis from the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada discussed the importance of francophone immigration for the vitality of minority communities. They called for a separate economic immigration program for francophones to address labor shortages and increase bilingualism. Committee members raised questions about the STEM category in Express Entry, delays in processing Sudanese applications, and the file review policy for asylum seekers. A motion was passed to invite the Immigration and Refugee Board to appear before the committee to discuss the file review policy. Another motion was passed to invite the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to appear on the Supplementary Estimates.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss Canada's immigration system. Witnesses shared their views on various aspects, including the asylum system, economic immigration, and the balance between humanitarian commitments and sustainable immigration levels. The committee heard about the need for more data and transparency, the impact of immigration on housing and healthcare, and the importance of aligning immigration policies with labor market needs. Michael Barutciski, a professor at York University, spoke about the need to balance compassion with border control and to harmonize Canada's asylum system with its allies. Steven Paolasini, an immigration consultant, criticized the economic class immigration system, arguing that it is no longer driven by economics but by administrative convenience and political quotas. Gauri Sreenivasan, from the Canadian Council for Refugees, emphasized the importance of upholding human rights standards and norms of procedural fairness for refugee claimants. Lou Janssen Dangzalan, an immigration lawyer, focused on express entry and category-based selection for francophone candidates, suggesting ways to improve the system. Parisa Mahboubi, from the C.D. Howe Institute, highlighted the economic risks of rapid population growth without matching investment and the need to manage both permanent and temporary immigration. Wendy Luther, from the Halifax Partnership, discussed the importance of immigration for economic growth in Atlantic Canada and the need for predictable immigration policies. Committee members questioned the witnesses on a range of issues, including the impact of immigration on housing and healthcare, the effectiveness of the temporary foreign worker program, and the need for greater transparency in immigration numbers. There was discussion about whether immigration targets should be based on the availability of housing and jobs, and whether the government's policies are sustainable. The witnesses offered recommendations on how to improve the immigration system, including better coordination between federal and provincial governments, more effective selection criteria, and greater attention to the needs of both newcomers and host communities. Several witnesses emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the immigration system and the need to address concerns about housing shortages and overstretched healthcare systems. Some witnesses suggested that the government should reduce immigration numbers to preserve social cohesion and openness, while others argued that immigration is essential for Canada's future prosperity. The committee did not make any specific decisions during the meeting, but the discussion provided valuable insights for its ongoing study of Canada's immigration system. The committee acknowledged the different perspectives and the need for a healthy discussion, while never forgetting that they're talking about real people who come to Canada, but also about the society that takes them in.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss Canada's immigration system. The committee heard from several witnesses, including Audrey Macklin, a law professor, and representatives from The Refugee Centre, Alina Murad and Eva Gracia-Turgeon. Macklin argued that the United States is no longer a safe country for refugees due to changes in U.S. policies and human rights practices, and she urged the committee to re-evaluate the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S. Murad and Gracia-Turgeon from The Refugee Centre focused on improving Canada's asylum system. They suggested modernizing documentation for refugee claimants, standardizing legal aid access across Canada, and expanding complementary pathways for safe arrival. They emphasized that refugee claimants can be a benefit to Canada if bureaucratic inefficiencies are addressed. They proposed a secure ID card with a QR code to streamline access to services and accelerate entry into the labor market. Later, the committee heard from Christopher Worswick, an economics professor, Jonathan Oldman, CEO of Immigrant Services Society of BC, and Luc Bonaventure Amoussou, Executive Director, Immigrants Working Centre. Worswick suggested that Canada should prioritize economic immigrants who are likely to have high earnings. Oldman advocated for a renewed vision for immigration that emphasizes economic growth, community investment, and strong humanitarian programs. Amoussou stressed the importance of stable funding for settlement services and addressing barriers faced by newcomers.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss immigration levels and spending. The meeting started with a discussion about a letter expressing concern for the safety of public servants appearing before the committee, due to harassment stemming from social media clips. Committee members debated the letter's implications for parliamentary scrutiny and freedom of speech. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, presented the immigration levels plan, which aims to stabilize permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year and reduce temporary resident arrivals. She emphasized the plan's focus on economic needs and sustainable growth. Committee members questioned the Minister on various topics, including a reported incident at a passport office, the inclusion of protected persons in the immigration plan, and measures to address processing delays and support specific groups like Palestinian students and Sudanese nationals. There was considerable debate about the government's handling of criminals who are not citizens, and whether their immigration status should influence sentencing. Some committee members expressed concern that the government was not prioritizing the safety of Canadians. The committee also discussed funding for interim health care for asylum seekers and the temporary foreign worker program. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the supplementary estimates (B) for 2025-26, which include funding for operating expenditures and grants and contributions under the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. The votes were agreed to on division, indicating some disagreement among committee members.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) held a meeting to discuss Canada's immigration system. The committee heard from several witnesses who presented different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to immigration. David Thomas, a lawyer, spoke about fraud and abuse in the temporary foreign worker program, the need for better background checks, and concerns about prioritizing French-speaking immigrants. He also raised issues about regional immigration programs, citizenship fraud, and the impact of immigration on Canada's fertility crisis. Alfred Lam, from the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, emphasized the need for a fair, consistent, and predictable immigration process with clear paths to permanent residency. He highlighted long processing times and called for a broad program for immigration status regularization and better recognition of foreign credentials. Anita Stellinga, from COSTI Immigrant Services, stressed the importance of the settlement sector and the need for stable funding to support newcomers' integration. She also raised concerns about limiting access to settlement services for economic migrants and the discontinuation of housing support for refugee claimants. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including background checks, asylum claims, regional immigration programs, and the temporary foreign worker program. A motion was introduced to hold an additional meeting to examine a past initiative related to citizenship applications, which led to a debate and amendments before being passed by the committee. The committee agreed to invite former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and other relevant figures to discuss the matter further.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) met to discuss Canada's immigration system. The committee heard from several witnesses who offered different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of immigration in Canada. Margareta Dovgal, a public policy analyst, spoke about the social and cultural dimensions of immigration. She argued that Canada's immigration system should prioritize public safety and societal cohesion, and that a "value-neutral approach" has failed to cultivate public trust. Allan Ralph Basa, a caregivers policy reform advocate, focused on the challenges faced by caregivers in the immigration system. He argued that the caregiver cap is too low and that processing delays are causing hardship for caregivers and their families. Daniel Hengeveld, from Toronto Global, discussed the importance of business immigration pathways for attracting skilled workers and investment to Canada. He raised concerns about predictability and transparency in the immigration system, particularly for senior talent. Committee members questioned the witnesses on a range of issues, including the impact of immigration levels on housing and infrastructure, the integration of newcomers into Canadian society, and the need for a more pragmatic immigration policy. Some committee members expressed concern about the potential for immigration to erode social trust and cultural cohesion, while others emphasized the importance of immigration for meeting Canada's labor needs and promoting economic growth. The committee discussed how to improve the system to ensure fairness, efficiency, and alignment with Canada's economic and social goals. No specific decisions were made, but the discussion will inform the committee's ongoing study of Canada's immigration system.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss Canada's immigration system, with a focus on francophone immigration and international students in vocational training. Bintou Sacko, representing Accueil francophone du Manitoba, emphasized the importance of increasing resources to support the integration of francophone immigrants, especially with rising targets and the unique challenges faced by francophone communities outside Quebec. She highlighted the need for funding to address language barriers, credential recognition, and the specific needs of francophone asylum seekers. Lysiane van der Knaap, along with Jérôme Carette and Odile René from Éducation internationale, advocated for greater recognition and support for international students in Quebec's vocational training programs. They argued that current immigration rules, particularly those related to post-graduation work permits, are hindering the ability of training centers to attract international students, despite the high demand for skilled trades in Quebec and across Canada. They requested that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) restore access to post-graduation work permits for vocational training programs that meet actual labor market needs. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the impact of immigration policies on francophone communities and vocational training programs. They discussed the need for better data on regional labor market needs, the challenges faced by international students in finding affordable housing, and the importance of aligning immigration policies with both national and provincial labor market demands. The committee agreed to include the evidence heard during the meeting as part of their ongoing study on international students.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss a proposed law, C-12, which aims to change Canada's immigration system. The proposed law includes measures to deter misuse of the asylum system, manage immigration documents, and improve efficiency. One key change would make asylum claims ineligible if made more than a year after entering Canada or more than 14 days after crossing the border irregularly. Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, and the Department of Justice were present to answer questions from committee members.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss proposed changes to laws about border security and immigration. The committee heard from several witnesses who shared their thoughts on the proposed law. Mark Weber, representing border personnel, emphasized the need for adequate staffing and expressed concerns about a new "one-touch" system for refugee claims, arguing it reduces security. Debbie Douglas, representing immigrant agencies, raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on vulnerable groups, including women and racialized communities, due to stricter eligibility rules for refugee claimants.

The Citizenship and Immigration Committee met to discuss proposed changes to Canada's immigration laws, specifically focusing on asylum claims and the powers of the Minister of Immigration. Manon Brassard, from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), explained how the IRB is working to handle a large number of asylum claims, but faces challenges with incomplete applications and long wait times. She noted the IRB aims to finalize 80,000 decisions this year, but a large backlog remains. Other witnesses, including Julia Green from the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers and Simon Wallace from the Refugee Law Lab, raised concerns about how the proposed law could limit access to asylum for certain groups and potentially increase legal challenges. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the proposed law. Brad Redekopp (Conservative) focused on reducing the number of claims by questioning the safety of countries like Great Britain and the U.S. for asylum seekers. Peter Fragiskatos (Liberal) compared Canada's situation to other countries and asked about efforts to process claims faster. Mario Simard (Bloc Québécois) examined the increasing trend of asylum claims and their distribution across provinces. Michelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) questioned the IRB on incomplete applications and the benefits received by claimants during processing. Witnesses from legal organizations expressed concerns about the proposed law. Deanna Okun-Nachoff and Cheryl Robinson from the Canadian Bar Association, highlighted potential issues with mass cancellation powers and the lack of procedural safeguards for vulnerable individuals. Simon Wallace presented data suggesting the proposed changes could make the refugee system less efficient and increase the workload of the Federal Court. Julia Green raised concerns about individuals from countries with moratoriums on deportation being left in legal limbo. Several committee members expressed interest in potential amendments to the proposed law. Sameer Zuberi (Liberal) sought suggestions for amendments related to the one-year time limit for asylum claims and the definition of "public interest." The committee discussed the need for more clarity and safeguards in the proposed law to ensure fairness and efficiency in the immigration system. The meeting was adjourned due to a vote in the House of Commons, with some members expressing a desire to continue the discussion at a later date.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss proposed changes to Canada's immigration and asylum system, focusing on a proposed law (Bill C-12) that aims to strengthen border security and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab presented the proposed law, emphasizing that it seeks to balance compassion with control, speed with fairness, and modernization with accountability. The proposed law includes measures to manage immigration documents, share information between government bodies, and set new rules for asylum claims, such as time limits for when claims can be made. Committee members raised concerns about the proposed law's constitutionality, potential impacts on vulnerable people, and the government's ability to manage the asylum system effectively. Michelle Rempel Garner questioned the Minister about the possibility of legal challenges to the proposed law and the preparedness of the government to defend it in court. Other committee members, like Amandeep Sodhi, focused on how the proposed law would protect against fraud and improve cooperation between government partners. Concerns were raised by Claude DeBellefeuille about the potential for people to "fall through the cracks" and not receive the protection they need under the proposed changes. Brad Redekopp questioned the Minister about the government's plans for using the new regulation-making authority to cancel immigration applications en masse. Costas Menegakis questioned the Minister about specific cases of individuals with criminal records who were allowed into the country. The committee discussed the timeline for submitting briefs related to the proposed law, setting a deadline of November 10th. They also agreed to hold an informal joint meeting with the foreign affairs committee to meet with the UNHCR. The committee is scheduled to continue its study of the proposed law and hear from more witnesses at future meetings, with a goal of providing recommendations to the public safety committee by November 20.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss issues related to Canada's immigration system. The committee heard from several witnesses, including Mario Bellissimo, a lawyer specializing in immigration, Aileen Calverley from Hong Kong Watch, and representatives from Statistics Canada. Bellissimo spoke about the challenges facing the immigration system, such as application backlogs and processing delays, and suggested improvements like increased parliamentary oversight and a statutory immigration ombudsperson. Calverley focused on the Hong Kong pathway program, highlighting processing delays and their impact on applicants, and recommended allocating more resources to clear the backlog. Statistics Canada provided data on immigration trends and population growth, noting a recent slowdown in population growth due to a decline in non-permanent residents. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of immigration. Michelle Rempel Garner asked Statistics Canada about data tracking of temporary residents' access to healthcare and births, while Salma Zahid inquired about the reasons for processing delays in the Hong Kong pathway program. Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe pressed Statistics Canada on why data regarding non-permanent residents were not published between 2018 and 2023 and questioned Hong Kong Watch on the economic impact of delays in processing Hong Kong applicants. Michael Ma focused on the economic contributions of Hong Kong pathway applicants, and Peter Fragiskatos discussed the digital transformation of government services with Bellissimo. The committee also heard from Rabab Al Khatib from Rainbow Railroad, who spoke about improving the asylum system for LGBTQI+ refugees, and Mehmet Tohti and Zaimira Dilimulati from the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, who discussed the M-62 program for Uyghur refugees. Al Khatib recommended hiring more decision-makers and expediting processing for clear-cut cases, while Tohti expressed concern about processing delays in the M-62 program and the threat of refoulement for Uyghur refugees. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ and Uyghur refugees and potential solutions to improve their access to protection in Canada. Ultimately, the committee requested all correspondence between Statistics Canada and IRCC on the publication of numbers regarding non-permanent residents between 2018 and 2023 be sent to the committee. There was discussion of the need to balance humanitarian concerns with practical considerations like infrastructure and resources. The committee explored ways to improve the fairness, efficiency, and effectiveness of Canada's immigration system for all.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss Canada's immigration system. The committee heard from officials from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) about the challenges and changes in the immigration system. Key topics included managing temporary residents, asylum claims, and security screenings. The committee also heard from officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) about their roles in border security and immigration enforcement. IRCC Deputy Minister Harpreet Kochhar spoke about modernizing the immigration system and addressing pressures from increased asylum claims and temporary residents. He mentioned adjustments to programs and policies, like setting caps for temporary residents and strengthening eligibility checks. IRB Chairperson Manon Brassard discussed the IRB's efforts to resolve immigration and refugee matters efficiently, noting a significant increase in decisions issued. She also highlighted challenges related to a large backlog of claims. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses on various issues. Questions were raised about the immigration levels plan, targets for temporary residents, and the impact of immigration on unemployment and social services. There was also discussion about processing times for different immigration streams, security screenings, and the resettlement of vulnerable populations like Uyghurs and Sudanese refugees. The committee also discussed contracts with landowners to accommodate asylum seekers. CBSA Vice-President Aaron McCrorie discussed the agency's role in border security and immigration enforcement, including screening visa applicants and removing inadmissible individuals. RCMP Assistant Commissioner Richard Baylin outlined the RCMP's responsibilities related to border security and criminal record checks for immigration applicants. Committee members raised concerns about security screening delays and the removal of individuals with criminal records. The committee requested additional data on various aspects of the immigration system. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but committee members identified several areas for further study and discussion. The committee agreed to discuss a deadline for submitting briefs on Canada's immigration system and to set aside time for drafting instructions related to the international student program. The committee will continue its study of Canada's immigration system at future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration met to discuss Canada's international student program and study permits. The committee heard from several witnesses, including Roopa Desai Trilokekar, Dr. John Tibbits (President of Conestoga College), and Dr. Rob Kristofferson (President of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations). Trilokekar suggested that international education and immigration should be separate policies and that Canada should learn from other countries' mistakes. Tibbits defended Conestoga College's international student recruitment, stating it was to address labor shortages and that the college invested in community support. Kristofferson argued that universities rely on international student revenue due to insufficient provincial funding and that restrictions on study permits are causing program cuts and job losses. Committee members questioned the witnesses on issues such as housing costs, job availability, and the impact of international students on communities. During questioning, Michelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) grilled Dr. Tibbits about the high number of international students at Conestoga College and the impact on housing and healthcare in the region. She also questioned whether the college had been asked to link permit availability to job availability or take responsibility for fraudulent asylum claims. Dr. Tibbits defended the college's actions, stating they were meeting skill shortage needs and investing in community support. Other committee members questioned witnesses about the role of provincial governments in international student recruitment, the impact of federal funding on universities, and potential irregularities in study permit applications. Later, the committee heard from Dr. Lisa Brunner and representatives from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO). Dr. Brunner emphasized the need for better policy coordination and transparency in the international student program. The PBO presented findings that the government's immigration level plan would reduce nominal GDP and discussed the impact of immigration on housing. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the economic impact of changes to the student visa program, the cost to Canada's healthcare system, and the number of housing units required for international students. Overall, the committee discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with Canada's international student program, including the need for better policy coordination, transparency, and support for international students. Several committee members requested additional analysis from the PBO on the economic and social impacts of the program. The committee explored potential reforms to prevent exploitation of international students and ensure that the program aligns with Canada's economic and social goals. The committee did not make any specific decisions during the meeting, but the discussion highlighted the need for further study and action to address the challenges and opportunities associated with Canada's international student program. Further analysis from the PBO was requested.