Canada’s Bill C-12: A Shift in Refugee Policy

Canada's Liberal government is advancing Bill C-12, officially known as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which proposes significant changes to the country's refugee policies. The bill was fast-tracked through the House of Commons, passing its third reading on December 11, 2025, and is expected to receive Senate approval in February 2026. If enacted, it will introduce new ineligibility rules for refugee claimants and enhance border security measures.

The Guardian

One of the most contentious aspects of Bill C-12 is the stipulation that asylum claims made more than one year after a claimant's arrival in Canada will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Instead, these claims will undergo a pre-removal risk assessment conducted by a single immigration officer, a process criticized for its high rejection rates. Legal experts, including Idil Atak and Audrey Macklin, have expressed concerns that this change undermines fair hearing rights for asylum seekers, particularly those who may have valid reasons for delayed claims.

The Guardian

Additionally, the bill imposes a 14-day limit for asylum claims made at land borders with the United States. Under the Safe Third Country Agreement, refugees are required to seek asylum in the first safe country they enter. Critics argue that the U.S. does not meet the criteria of a "safe" country, especially in light of recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that prioritize expedited deportations without due process.

The Guardian

Civil rights groups and immigration advocates have voiced strong opposition to Bill C-12, arguing that it reflects a troubling shift towards U.S.-style border policies that could exacerbate xenophobia and scapegoating of immigrants. Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, highlighted the political rhetoric from both the Liberal and Conservative parties that blames migrants for Canada's affordability crisis, suggesting that this narrative distracts from the real issues at play.

The Guardian

Macklin emphasized the moral obligation Canada has to protect refugees, stating, “It’s unfair to turn people away simply because they did not feel comfortable seeking asylum in the US.” Critics argue that the bill erodes Canada's reputation as a welcoming nation and undermines international commitments to assist asylum seekers.

The Guardian

The Liberal government has defended Bill C-12 as a necessary measure to strengthen border security and manage immigration effectively. However, the rapid progression of the bill through Parliament has raised alarms among legal experts and human rights advocates, who fear it could lead to a significant decline in refugee protections.

The Guardian

While the government promotes the bill as a means to enhance national security, critics argue that it may lead to increased deportations and a lack of due process for asylum seekers. Reports indicate that Canada deported 18,000 individuals in 2024, the highest number since the Harper administration, raising concerns about the implications of the new legislation on vulnerable populations.

The Guardian

• “It’s very regressive in terms of refugee protection,” — Idil Atak, Professor of Refugee and Human Rights Law

The Guardian

• “We do have an obligation, a moral obligation, to protect refugees.” — Audrey Macklin, Immigration and Refugee Law Professor

The Guardian

• “Do you blame CEOs or corporations for their misery, which we should … but we’re all being tricked into blaming migrants,” — Syed Hussan, Executive Director, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change

The Guardian