An Act respecting immigration to Canada and the granting of refugee protection to persons who are displaced, persecuted or in dangerImmigration and Refugee Protection ActImmigration and Refugee Protection2001November
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I-2.5272001Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:SHORT TITLEShort titleThis Act may be cited as the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.INTERPRETATIONDefinitionsThe definitions in this subsection apply in this Act.BoardCommissionBoard means the Immigration and Refugee Board, which consists of the Refugee Protection Division, Refugee Appeal Division, Immigration Division and Immigration Appeal Division.Convention Against TortureConvention contre la tortureConvention Against Torture means the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed at New York on December 10, 1984. Article 1 of the Convention Against Torture is set out in the schedule.foreign nationalétrangerforeign national means a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and includes a stateless person.permanent residentrésident permanentpermanent resident means a person who has acquired permanent resident status and has not subsequently lost that status under section 46.Refugee ConventionConvention sur les réfugiésRefugee Convention means the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, signed at Geneva on July 28, 1951, and the Protocol to that Convention, signed at New York on January 31, 1967. Sections E and F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention are set out in the schedule.Act includes regulationsUnless otherwise indicated, references in this Act to “this Act” include regulations made under it.OBJECTIVES AND APPLICATIONObjectives — immigrationThe objectives of this Act with respect to immigration areto permit Canada to pursue the maximum social, cultural and economic benefits of immigration;to enrich and strengthen the social and cultural fabric of Canadian society, while respecting the federal, bilingual and multicultural character of Canada;to support and assist the development of minority official languages communities in Canada;to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy, in which the benefits of immigration are shared across all regions of Canada;to see that families are reunited in Canada;to promote the successful integration of permanent residents into Canada, while recognizing that integration involves mutual obligations for new immigrants and Canadian society;to support, by means of consistent standards and prompt processing, the attainment of immigration goals established by the Government of Canada in consultation with the provinces;to facilitate the entry of visitors, students and temporary workers for purposes such as trade, commerce, tourism, international understanding and cultural, educational and scientific activities;to protect the health and safety of Canadians and to maintain the security of Canadian society;to promote international justice and security by fostering respect for human rights and by denying access to Canadian territory to persons who are criminals or security risks; andto work in cooperation with the provinces to secure better recognition of the foreign credentials of permanent residents and their more rapid integration into society.Objectives — refugeesThe objectives of this Act with respect to refugees areto recognize that the refugee program is in the first instance about saving lives and offering protection to the displaced and persecuted;to fulfil Canada’s international legal obligations with respect to refugees and affirm Canada’s commitment to international efforts to provide assistance to those in need of resettlement;to grant, as a fundamental expression of Canada’s humanitarian ideals, fair consideration to those who come to Canada claiming persecution;to offer safe haven to persons with a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment;to establish fair and efficient procedures that will maintain the integrity of the Canadian refugee protection system, while upholding Canada’s respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all human beings;to support the self-sufficiency and the social and economic well-being of refugees by facilitating reunification with their family members in Canada;to protect the health and safety of Canadians and to maintain the security of Canadian society; andto promote international justice and security by denying access to Canadian territory to persons, including refugee claimants, who are security risks or serious criminals.ApplicationThis Act is to be construed and applied in a manner thatfurthers the domestic and international interests of Canada;promotes accountability and transparency by enhancing public awareness of immigration and refugee programs;facilitates cooperation between the Government of Canada, provincial governments, foreign states, international organizations and non-governmental organizations;ensures that decisions taken under this Act are consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including its principles of equality and freedom from discrimination and of the equality of English and French as the official languages of Canada;supports the commitment of the Government of Canada to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada; andcomplies with international human rights instruments to which Canada is signatory.ENABLING AUTHORITYMinister of Citizenship and Immigration Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration is responsible for the administration of this Act.Designated MinisterThe Governor in Council may, by order, designate a minister of the Crown as the Minister responsible for all matters under this Act relating to special advocates. If none is designated, the Minister of Justice is responsible for those matters.Minister of Public Safety and Emergency PreparednessThe Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness is responsible for the administration of this Act as it relates toexaminations at ports of entry;the enforcement of this Act, including arrest, detention and removal;the establishment of policies respecting the enforcement of this Act and inadmissibility on grounds of security, organized criminality or violating human or international rights; ordeterminations under any of subsections 34(2), 35(2) and 37(2).SpecificationSubject to subsections (1) to (2), the Governor in Council may, by order,specify which Minister referred to in any of subsections (1) to (2) is the Minister for the purposes of any provision of this Act; andspecify that more than one Minister may be the Minister for the purposes of any provision of this Act and specify the circumstances under which each Minister is the Minister.PublicationAny order made under subsection (3) must be published in Part II of the Canada Gazette.
2001, c. 27, s. 4;
2005, c. 38, s. 118;
2008, c. 3, s. 1.
Previous VersionRegulationsExcept as otherwise provided, the Governor in Council may make any regulation that is referred to in this Act or that prescribes any matter whose prescription is referred to in this Act.Tabling and referral of proposed regulationsThe Minister shall cause a copy of each proposed regulation made under sections 17, 32, 53, 61, 87.2, 102, 116, 150 and 150.1 to be laid before each House of Parliament, and each House shall refer the proposed regulation to the appropriate Committee of that House.Alteration of proposed regulationA proposed regulation that has been laid before each House of Parliament under subsection (2) does not need to be so laid again, whether or not it has been altered.Making of regulationsThe Governor in Council may make the regulation at any time after the proposed regulation has been laid before each House of Parliament under subsection (2).
2001, c. 27, s. 5;
2004, c. 15, s. 70;
2008, c. 3, s. 2.
Previous VersionDesignation of officersThe Minister may designate any persons or class of persons as officers to carry out any purpose of any provision of this Act, and shall specify the powers and duties of the officers so designated.Delegation of powersAnything that may be done by the Minister under this Act may be done by a person that the Minister authorizes in writing, without proof of the authenticity of the authorization.ExceptionNotwithstanding subsection (2), the Minister may not delegate the power conferred by subsection 77(1) or the ability to make determinations under subsection 34(2) or 35(2) or paragraph 37(2)(a).AGREEMENTSInternational agreementsThe Minister, with the approval of the Governor in Council, may enter into an agreement with the government of a foreign state or with an international organization for the purposes of this Act.Federal-provincial agreementsThe Minister, with the approval of the Governor in Council, may enter into an agreement with the government of any province for the purposes of this Act. The Minister must publish, once a year, a list of the federal-provincial agreements that are in force.Consistency with agreementSubject to subsection (3) but despite the other provisions of this Act, the following must be consistent with the federal-provincial agreements:the selection and sponsorship of, and the acquisition of status by, foreign nationals under this Act; andregulations governing those matters, including regulations respecting the examination in Canada of applications to become a permanent resident, or respecting the foreign nationals who may be selected on the basis of an investment in Canada.Inadmissibility not limitedSubsection (2) is not to be interpreted as limiting the application of any provision of this Act concerning inadmissibility to Canada.Sole provincial responsibility — permanent residentsWhere a province has, under a federal-provincial agreement, sole responsibility for the selection of a foreign national who intends to reside in that province as a permanent resident, the following provisions apply to that foreign national, unless the agreement provides otherwise:the foreign national, unless inadmissible under this Act, shall be granted permanent resident status if the foreign national meets the province’s selection criteria;the foreign national shall not be granted permanent resident status if the foreign national does not meet the province’s selection criteria;the foreign national shall not be granted permanent resident status contrary to the provisions of the law of the province governing the number of foreign nationals who may settle in the province as permanent residents, whether that number is an estimate or a maximum, or governing the distribution of that number among classes of foreign nationals; andconditions imposed in accordance with the law of the province have the same force and effect as if they were made under this Act, if they are imposed on a foreign national on or before the grant of permanent resident status.Sole provincial responsibility — appealsIf a federal-provincial agreement gives a province sole responsibility to establish and apply financial criteria with respect to undertakings that sponsors living in that province may make in respect of a foreign national who applies to become a permanent resident, then, unless the agreement provides otherwise, the existence of a right of appeal under the law of that province respecting rejections by provincial officials of applications for sponsorship, for reasons of failing to meet financial criteria or failing to comply with a prior undertaking, prevents the sponsor, except on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, from appealing under this Act against a refusal, based on those reasons, of a visa or permanent resident status.Consultations with the provincesThe Minister may consult with the governments of the provinces on immigration and refugee protection policies and programs, in order to facilitate cooperation and to take into consideration the effects that the implementation of this Act may have on the provinces.Required consultationsThe Minister must consult with the governments of the provinces respecting the number of foreign nationals in each class who will become permanent residents each year, their distribution in Canada taking into account regional economic and demographic requirements, and the measures to be undertaken to facilitate their integration into Canadian society.IMMIGRATION TO CANADARequirements Before Entering Canada and SelectionRequirements Before Entering CanadaApplication before entering CanadaA foreign national must, before entering Canada, apply to an officer for a visa or for any other document required by the regulations. The visa or document may be issued if, following an examination, the officer is satisfied that the foreign national is not inadmissible and meets the requirements of this Act.If sponsor does not meet requirementsThe officer may not issue a visa or other document to a foreign national whose sponsor does not meet the sponsorship requirements of this Act.
2001, c. 27, s. 11;
2008, c. 28, s. 116.
Previous VersionSelection of Permanent ResidentsFamily reunificationA foreign national may be selected as a member of the family class on the basis of their relationship as the spouse, common-law partner, child, parent or other prescribed family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.Economic immigrationA foreign national may be selected as a member of the economic class on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada.RefugeesA foreign national, inside or outside Canada, may be selected as a person who under this Act is a Convention refugee or as a person in similar circumstances, taking into account Canada’s humanitarian tradition with respect to the displaced and the persecuted.Sponsorship of Foreign NationalsRight to sponsor family memberA Canadian citizen or permanent resident may, subject to the regulations, sponsor a foreign national who is a member of the family class.Group right to sponsorA group of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, a corporation incorporated under a law of Canada or of a province, and an unincorporated organization or association under federal or provincial law, or any combination of them may, subject to the regulations, sponsor a Convention refugee or a person in similar circumstances.ObligationAn undertaking relating to sponsorship is binding on the person who gives it.Instructions of MinisterAn officer shall apply the regulations on sponsorship referred to in paragraph 14(2)(e) in accordance with any instructions that the Minister may make.RegulationsRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division, and may define, for the purposes of this Act, the terms used in this Division.RegulationsThe regulations may prescribe, and govern any matter relating to, classes of permanent residents or foreign nationals, including the classes referred to in section 12, and may include provisions respectingselection criteria, the weight, if any, to be given to all or some of those criteria, the procedures to be followed in evaluating all or some of those criteria and the circumstances in which an officer may substitute for those criteria their evaluation of the likelihood of a foreign national’s ability to become economically established in Canada;applications for visas and other documents and their issuance or refusal, with respect to foreign nationals and their family members;the number of applications that may be processed or approved in a year, the number of visas and other documents that may be issued in a year, and the measures to be taken when that number is exceeded;conditions that may or must be imposed, varied or cancelled, individually or by class, on permanent residents and foreign nationals;sponsorships, undertakings, and penalties for failure to comply with undertakings;deposits or guarantees of the performance of obligations under this Act that are to be given by any person to the Minister; andany matter for which a recommendation to the Minister or a decision may or must be made by a designated person, institution or organization with respect to a foreign national or sponsor.ExaminationExamination by officerAn officer is authorized to proceed with an examination where a person makes an application to the officer in accordance with this Act.Provincial criteriaIn the case of a foreign national referred to in subsection 9(1), an examination of whether the foreign national complies with the applicable selection criteria shall be conducted solely on the basis of documents delivered by the province indicating that the competent authority of the province is of the opinion that the foreign national complies with the province’s selection criteria.InspectionAn officer may board and inspect any means of transportation bringing persons to Canada, examine any person carried by that means of transportation and any record or document respecting that person, seize and remove the record or document to obtain copies or extracts and hold the means of transportation until the inspection and examination are completed.InstructionsThe officer shall conduct the examination in accordance with any instructions that the Minister may give.Obligation — answer truthfullyA person who makes an application must answer truthfully all questions put to them for the purpose of the examination and must produce a visa and all relevant evidence and documents that the officer reasonably requires.Obligation — relevant evidenceIn the case of a foreign national,the relevant evidence referred to in subsection (1) includes photographic and fingerprint evidence; andthe foreign national must submit to a medical examination on request.Evidence relating to identityAn officer may require or obtain from a permanent resident or a foreign national who is arrested, detained or subject to a removal order, any evidence — photographic, fingerprint or otherwise — that may be used to establish their identity or compliance with this Act.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division, and may include provisions respecting the conduct of examinations.Entering and Remaining in CanadaEntering and RemainingExamination by officerEvery person seeking to enter Canada must appear for an examination to determine whether that person has a right to enter Canada or is or may become authorized to enter and remain in Canada.TransitSubsection (1) also applies to persons who, without leaving Canada, seek to leave an area at an airport that is reserved for passengers who are in transit or who are waiting to depart Canada.Right of entry of citizens and IndiansEvery Canadian citizen within the meaning of the Citizenship Act and every person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act has the right to enter and remain in Canada in accordance with this Act, and an officer shall allow the person to enter Canada if satisfied following an examination on their entry that the person is a citizen or registered Indian.Right of entry of permanent residentsAn officer shall allow a permanent resident to enter Canada if satisfied following an examination on their entry that they have that status.Obligation on entryEvery foreign national, other than a foreign national referred to in section 19, who seeks to enter or remain in Canada must establish,to become a permanent resident, that they hold the visa or other document required under the regulations and have come to Canada in order to establish permanent residence; andto become a temporary resident, that they hold the visa or other document required under the regulations and will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.Provincial criteriaA foreign national referred to in subsection 9(1) must also establish, to become a permanent resident, that they hold a document issued by the province indicating that the competent authority of the province is of the opinion that the foreign national complies with the province’s selection criteria.Status and Authorization to EnterPermanent residentA foreign national becomes a permanent resident if an officer is satisfied that the foreign national has applied for that status, has met the obligations set out in paragraph 20(1)(a) and subsection 20(2) and is not inadmissible.Protected personExcept in the case of a person described in subsection 112(3) or a person who is a member of a prescribed class of persons, a person whose application for protection has been finally determined by the Board to be a Convention refugee or to be a person in need of protection, or a person whose application for protection has been allowed by the Minister, becomes, subject to any federal-provincial agreement referred to in subsection 9(1), a permanent resident if the officer is satisfied that they have made their application in accordance with the regulations and that they are not inadmissible on any ground referred to in section 34 or 35, subsection 36(1) or section 37 or 38.Temporary residentA foreign national becomes a temporary resident if an officer is satisfied that the foreign national has applied for that status, has met the obligations set out in paragraph 20(1)(b) and is not inadmissible.Dual intentAn intention by a foreign national to become a permanent resident does not preclude them from becoming a temporary resident if the officer is satisfied that they will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.Entry to complete examination or hearingAn officer may authorize a person to enter Canada for the purpose of further examination or an admissibility hearing under this Part.Temporary resident permitA foreign national who, in the opinion of an officer, is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of this Act becomes a temporary resident if an officer is of the opinion that it is justified in the circumstances and issues a temporary resident permit, which may be cancelled at any time.ExceptionA foreign national referred to in subsection (1) to whom an officer issues a temporary resident permit outside Canada does not become a temporary resident until they have been examined upon arrival in Canada.Instructions of MinisterIn applying subsection (1), the officer shall act in accordance with any instructions that the Minister may make.RestrictionA foreign national whose claim for refugee protection has been rejected or determined to be withdrawn or abandoned by the Refugee Protection Division or the Refugee Appeal Division may not request a temporary resident permit if less than 12 months have passed since their claim was last rejected or determined to be withdrawn or abandoned.
2001, c. 27, s. 24;
2010, c. 8, s. 3.
Previous VersionHumanitarian and compassionate considerations — request of foreign nationalThe Minister must, on request of a foreign national in Canada who is inadmissible or who does not meet the requirements of this Act, and may, on request of a foreign national outside Canada, examine the circumstances concerning the foreign national and may grant the foreign national permanent resident status or an exemption from any applicable criteria or obligations of this Act if the Minister is of the opinion that it is justified by humanitarian and compassionate considerations relating to the foreign national, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected.Payment of feesThe Minister is seized of a request referred to in subsection (1) only if the applicable fees in respect of that request have been paid.ExceptionsThe Minister may not examine the request if the foreign national has already made such a request and the request is pending.Non-application of certain factorsIn examining the request of a foreign national in Canada, the Minister may not consider the factors that are taken into account in the determination of whether a person is a Convention refugee under section 96 or a person in need of protection under subsection 97(1) but must consider elements related to the hardships that affect the foreign national.Provincial criteriaThe Minister may not grant permanent resident status to a foreign national referred to in subsection 9(1) if the foreign national does not meet the province’s selection criteria applicable to that foreign national.
2001, c. 27, s. 25;
2008, c. 28, s. 117;
2010, c. 8, s. 4.
Previous VersionHumanitarian and compassionate considerations — Minister’s own initiativeThe Minister may, on the Minister’s own initiative, examine the circumstances concerning a foreign national who is inadmissible or who does not meet the requirements of this Act and may grant the foreign national permanent resident status or an exemption from any applicable criteria or obligations of this Act if the Minister is of the opinion that it is justified by humanitarian and compassionate considerations relating to the foreign national, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected.ExemptionThe Minister may exempt the foreign national from the payment of any applicable fees in respect of the examination of their circumstances under subsection (1).Provincial criteriaThe Minister may not grant permanent resident status to a foreign national referred to in subsection 9(1) if the foreign national does not meet the province’s selection criteria applicable to that foreign national.
2010, c. 8, s. 5.
Public policy considerationsThe Minister may, in examining the circumstances concerning a foreign national who is inadmissible or who does not meet the requirements of this Act, grant that person permanent resident status or an exemption from any applicable criteria or obligations of this Act if the Minister is of the opinion that it is justified by public policy considerations.ExemptionThe Minister may exempt the foreign national from the payment of any applicable fees in respect of the examination of their circumstances under subsection (1).Provincial criteriaThe Minister may not grant permanent resident status to a foreign national referred to in subsection 9(1) if the foreign national does not meet the province’s selection criteria applicable to that foreign national.
2010, c. 8, s. 5.
RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of sections 18 to 25.2, and may include provisions respectingentering, remaining in and re-entering Canada;permanent resident status or temporary resident status, including acquisition of that status;the circumstances in which all or part of the considerations referred to in section 24 may be taken into account;conditions that may or must be imposed, varied or cancelled, individually or by class, on permanent residents and foreign nationals; anddeposits or guarantees of the performance of obligations under this Act that are to be given to the Minister.
2001, c. 27, s. 26;
2010, c. 8, s. 6.
Previous VersionRights and Obligations of Permanent and Temporary ResidentsRight of permanent residentsA permanent resident of Canada has the right to enter and remain in Canada, subject to the provisions of this Act.ConditionsA permanent resident must comply with any conditions imposed under the regulations.Residency obligationA permanent resident must comply with a residency obligation with respect to every five-year period.ApplicationThe following provisions govern the residency obligation under subsection (1):a permanent resident complies with the residency obligation with respect to a five-year period if, on each of a total of at least 730 days in that five-year period, they arephysically present in Canada,outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent,outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province,outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province, orreferred to in regulations providing for other means of compliance;it is sufficient for a permanent resident to demonstrate at examinationif they have been a permanent resident for less than five years, that they will be able to meet the residency obligation in respect of the five-year period immediately after they became a permanent resident;if they have been a permanent resident for five years or more, that they have met the residency obligation in respect of the five-year period immediately before the examination; anda determination by an officer that humanitarian and compassionate considerations relating to a permanent resident, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected by the determination, justify the retention of permanent resident status overcomes any breach of the residency obligation prior to the determination.
2001, c. 27, s. 28;
2003, c. 22, s. 172(E).
Previous VersionRight of temporary residentsA temporary resident is, subject to the other provisions of this Act, authorized to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis as a visitor or as a holder of a temporary resident permit.Obligation — temporary residentA temporary resident must comply with any conditions imposed under the regulations and with any requirements under this Act, must leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay and may re-enter Canada only if their authorization provides for re-entry.Work and study in CanadaA foreign national may not work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so under this Act.Minor childrenEvery minor child in Canada, other than a child of a temporary resident not authorized to work or study, is authorized to study at the pre-school, primary or secondary level.Status DocumentStatus documentA permanent resident and a protected person shall be provided with a document indicating their status.EffectFor the purposes of this Act, unless an officer determines otherwisea person in possession of a status document referred to in subsection (1) is presumed to have the status indicated; anda person who is outside Canada and who does not present a status document indicating permanent resident status is presumed not to have permanent resident status.Travel documentA permanent resident outside Canada who is not in possession of a status document indicating permanent resident status shall, following an examination, be issued a travel document if an officer is satisfied thatthey comply with the residency obligation under section 28;an officer has made the determination referred to in paragraph 28(2)(c); orthey were physically present in Canada at least once within the 365 days before the examination and they have made an appeal under subsection 63(4) that has not been finally determined or the period for making such an appeal has not yet expired.RegulationsRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of sections 27 to 31, may define, for the purposes of this Act, the terms used in those sections, and may include provisions respectingclasses of temporary residents, such as students and workers;selection criteria for each class of foreign national and for their family members, and the procedures for evaluating all or some of those criteria;anything referred to in paragraph (b) for which a decision or recommendation may or must be made by a designated person, institution or organization;the conditions that must or may be imposed, varied or cancelled, individually or by class, on permanent residents and foreign nationals, including conditions respecting work or study;the residency obligation under section 28, including rules for calculating applicable days and periods; andthe circumstances in which a document indicating status or a travel document may or must be issued, renewed or revoked.InadmissibilityRules of interpretationThe facts that constitute inadmissibility under sections 34 to 37 include facts arising from omissions and, unless otherwise provided, include facts for which there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have occurred, are occurring or may occur.SecurityA permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on security grounds forengaging in an act of espionage or an act of subversion against a democratic government, institution or process as they are understood in Canada;engaging in or instigating the subversion by force of any government;engaging in terrorism;being a danger to the security of Canada;engaging in acts of violence that would or might endanger the lives or safety of persons in Canada; orbeing a member of an organization that there are reasonable grounds to believe engages, has engaged or will engage in acts referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).ExceptionThe matters referred to in subsection (1) do not constitute inadmissibility in respect of a permanent resident or a foreign national who satisfies the Minister that their presence in Canada would not be detrimental to the national interest.Human or international rights violationsA permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of violating human or international rights forcommitting an act outside Canada that constitutes an offence referred to in sections 4 to 7 of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act;being a prescribed senior official in the service of a government that, in the opinion of the Minister, engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity within the meaning of subsections 6(3) to (5) of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act; orbeing a person, other than a permanent resident, whose entry into or stay in Canada is restricted pursuant to a decision, resolution or measure of an international organization of states or association of states, of which Canada is a member, that imposes sanctions on a country against which Canada has imposed or has agreed to impose sanctions in concert with that organization or association.ExceptionParagraphs (1)(b) and (c) do not apply in the case of a permanent resident or a foreign national who satisfies the Minister that their presence in Canada would not be detrimental to the national interest.Serious criminalityA permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality forhaving been convicted in Canada of an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, or of an offence under an Act of Parliament for which a term of imprisonment of more than six months has been imposed;having been convicted of an offence outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years; orcommitting an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.CriminalityA foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of criminality forhaving been convicted in Canada of an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by way of indictment, or of two offences under any Act of Parliament not arising out of a single occurrence;having been convicted outside Canada of an offence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence under an Act of Parliament, or of two offences not arising out of a single occurrence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute offences under an Act of Parliament;committing an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence under an Act of Parliament; orcommitting, on entering Canada, an offence under an Act of Parliament prescribed by regulations.ApplicationThe following provisions govern subsections (1) and (2):an offence that may be prosecuted either summarily or by way of indictment is deemed to be an indictable offence, even if it has been prosecuted summarily;inadmissibility under subsections (1) and (2) may not be based on a conviction in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered and has not been revoked or ceased to have effect under the Criminal Records Act, or in respect of which there has been a final determination of an acquittal;the matters referred to in paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and (2)(b) and (c) do not constitute inadmissibility in respect of a permanent resident or foreign national who, after the prescribed period, satisfies the Minister that they have been rehabilitated or who is a member of a prescribed class that is deemed to have been rehabilitated;a determination of whether a permanent resident has committed an act described in paragraph (1)(c) must be based on a balance of probabilities; andinadmissibility under subsections (1) and (2) may not be based on an offence designated as a contravention under the Contraventions Act or an offence for which the permanent resident or foreign national is found guilty under the Young Offenders Act, chapter Y-1 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985 or the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
2001, c. 27, s. 36;
2008, c. 3, s. 3;
2012, c. 1, s. 149.
Previous VersionOrganized criminalityA permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of organized criminality forbeing a member of an organization that is believed on reasonable grounds to be or to have been engaged in activity that is part of a pattern of criminal activity planned and organized by a number of persons acting in concert in furtherance of the commission of an offence punishable under an Act of Parliament by way of indictment, or in furtherance of the commission of an offence outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would constitute such an offence, or engaging in activity that is part of such a pattern; orengaging, in the context of transnational crime, in activities such as people smuggling, trafficking in persons or money laundering.ApplicationThe following provisions govern subsection (1):subsection (1) does not apply in the case of a permanent resident or a foreign national who satisfies the Minister that their presence in Canada would not be detrimental to the national interest; andparagraph (1)(a) does not lead to a determination of inadmissibility by reason only of the fact that the permanent resident or foreign national entered Canada with the assistance of a person who is involved in organized criminal activity.Health groundsA foreign national is inadmissible on health grounds if their health conditionis likely to be a danger to public health;is likely to be a danger to public safety; ormight reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on health or social services.ExceptionParagraph (1)(c) does not apply in the case of a foreign national whohas been determined to be a member of the family class and to be the spouse, common-law partner or child of a sponsor within the meaning of the regulations;has applied for a permanent resident visa as a Convention refugee or a person in similar circumstances;is a protected person; oris, where prescribed by the regulations, the spouse, common-law partner, child or other family member of a foreign national referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (c).Financial reasonsA foreign national is inadmissible for financial reasons if they are or will be unable or unwilling to support themself or any other person who is dependent on them, and have not satisfied an officer that adequate arrangements for care and support, other than those that involve social assistance, have been made.MisrepresentationA permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible for misrepresentationfor directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act;for being or having been sponsored by a person who is determined to be inadmissible for misrepresentation;on a final determination to vacate a decision to allow the claim for refugee protection by the permanent resident or the foreign national; oron ceasing to be a citizen under paragraph 10(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, in the circumstances set out in subsection 10(2) of that Act.ApplicationThe following provisions govern subsection (1):the permanent resident or the foreign national continues to be inadmissible for misrepresentation for a period of two years following, in the case of a determination outside Canada, a final determination of inadmissibility under subsection (1) or, in the case of a determination in Canada, the date the removal order is enforced; andparagraph (1)(b) does not apply unless the Minister is satisfied that the facts of the case justify the inadmissibility.Non-compliance with ActA person is inadmissible for failing to comply with this Actin the case of a foreign national, through an act or omission which contravenes, directly or indirectly, a provision of this Act; andin the case of a permanent resident, through failing to comply with subsection 27(2) or section 28.Inadmissible family memberA foreign national, other than a protected person, is inadmissible on grounds of an inadmissible family member iftheir accompanying family member or, in prescribed circumstances, their non-accompanying family member is inadmissible; orthey are an accompanying family member of an inadmissible person.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division, may define, for the purposes of this Act, any of the terms used in this Division, and may include provisions respecting the circumstances in which a class of permanent residents or foreign nationals is exempted from any of the provisions of this Division.Loss of Status and RemovalReport on InadmissibilityPreparation of reportAn officer who is of the opinion that a permanent resident or a foreign national who is in Canada is inadmissible may prepare a report setting out the relevant facts, which report shall be transmitted to the Minister.Referral or removal orderIf the Minister is of the opinion that the report is well-founded, the Minister may refer the report to the Immigration Division for an admissibility hearing, except in the case of a permanent resident who is inadmissible solely on the grounds that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under section 28 and except, in the circumstances prescribed by the regulations, in the case of a foreign national. In those cases, the Minister may make a removal order.ConditionsAn officer or the Immigration Division may impose any conditions, including the payment of a deposit or the posting of a guarantee for compliance with the conditions, that the officer or the Division considers necessary on a permanent resident or a foreign national who is the subject of a report, an admissibility hearing or, being in Canada, a removal order.Admissibility Hearing by the Immigration DivisionDecisionThe Immigration Division, at the conclusion of an admissibility hearing, shall make one of the following decisions:recognize the right to enter Canada of a Canadian citizen within the meaning of the Citizenship Act, a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act or a permanent resident;grant permanent resident status or temporary resident status to a foreign national if it is satisfied that the foreign national meets the requirements of this Act;authorize a permanent resident or a foreign national, with or without conditions, to enter Canada for further examination; ormake the applicable removal order against a foreign national who has not been authorized to enter Canada, if it is not satisfied that the foreign national is not inadmissible, or against a foreign national who has been authorized to enter Canada or a permanent resident, if it is satisfied that the foreign national or the permanent resident is inadmissible.Loss of StatusPermanent residentA person loses permanent resident statuswhen they become a Canadian citizen;on a final determination of a decision made outside of Canada that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under section 28;when a removal order made against them comes into force; oron a final determination under section 109 to vacate a decision to allow their claim for refugee protection or a final determination under subsection 114(3) to vacate a decision to allow their application for protection.Permanent residentA person who ceases to be a citizen under paragraph 10(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, other than in the circumstances set out in subsection 10(2) of that Act, becomes a permanent resident.Temporary residentA foreign national loses temporary resident statusat the end of the period for which they are authorized to remain in Canada;on a determination by an officer or the Immigration Division that they have failed to comply with any other requirement of this Act; oron cancellation of their temporary resident permit.Enforcement of Removal OrdersEnforceable removal orderA removal order is enforceable if it has come into force and is not stayed.EffectIf a removal order is enforceable, the foreign national against whom it was made must leave Canada immediately and it must be enforced as soon as is reasonably practicable.In forceA removal order comes into force on the latest of the following dates:the day the removal order is made, if there is no right to appeal;the day the appeal period expires, if there is a right to appeal and no appeal is made; andthe day of the final determination of the appeal, if an appeal is made.In force — claimantsDespite subsection (1), a removal order made with respect to a refugee protection claimant is conditional and comes into force on the latest of the following dates:the day the claim is determined to be ineligible only under paragraph 101(1)(e);in a case other than that set out in paragraph (a), seven days after the claim is determined to be ineligible;15 days after notification that the claim is rejected by the Refugee Protection Division, if no appeal is made, or by the Refugee Appeal Division, if an appeal is made;15 days after notification that the claim is declared withdrawn or abandoned; and15 days after proceedings are terminated as a result of notice under paragraph 104(1)(c) or (d).StayA removal order is stayedif a decision that was made in a judicial proceeding — at which the Minister shall be given the opportunity to make submissions — would be directly contravened by the enforcement of the removal order;in the case of a foreign national sentenced to a term of imprisonment in Canada, until the sentence is completed;for the duration of a stay imposed by the Immigration Appeal Division or any other court of competent jurisdiction;for the duration of a stay under paragraph 114(1)(b); andfor the duration of a stay imposed by the Minister.Void — permanent residenceA removal order that has not been enforced becomes void if the foreign national becomes a permanent resident.No return without prescribed authorizationIf a removal order has been enforced, the foreign national shall not return to Canada, unless authorized by an officer or in other prescribed circumstances.Return to CanadaIf a removal order for which there is no right of appeal has been enforced and is subsequently set aside in a judicial review, the foreign national is entitled to return to Canada at the expense of the Minister.RegulationsRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division, and may include provisions respectingconditions that may or must be imposed, varied, or cancelled, individually or by class, on permanent residents and foreign nationals;the circumstances in which a removal order shall be made or confirmed against a permanent resident or a foreign national;the circumstances in which status may be restored;the circumstances in which a removal order may be stayed, including a stay imposed by the Minister and a stay that is not expressly provided for by this Act;the effect and enforcement of removal orders;the effect of a record suspension under the Criminal Records Act on the status of permanent residents and foreign nationals and removal orders made against them; andthe financial obligations that may be imposed with respect to a removal order.
2001, c. 27, s. 53;
2012, c. 1, s. 150.
Previous VersionDetention and ReleaseImmigration DivisionThe Immigration Division is the competent Division of the Board with respect to the review of reasons for detention under this Division.Arrest and detention with warrantAn officer may issue a warrant for the arrest and detention of a permanent resident or a foreign national who the officer has reasonable grounds to believe is inadmissible and is a danger to the public or is unlikely to appear for examination, an admissibility hearing or removal from Canada.Arrest and detention without warrantAn officer may, without a warrant, arrest and detain a foreign national, other than a protected person,who the officer has reasonable grounds to believe is inadmissible and is a danger to the public or is unlikely to appear for examination, an admissibility hearing, removal from Canada, or at a proceeding that could lead to the making of a removal order by the Minister under subsection 44(2); orif the officer is not satisfied of the identity of the foreign national in the course of any procedure under this Act.Detention on entryA permanent resident or a foreign national may, on entry into Canada, be detained if an officerconsiders it necessary to do so in order for the examination to be completed; orhas reasonable grounds to suspect that the permanent resident or the foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of security or for violating human or international rights.NoticeIf a permanent resident or a foreign national is taken into detention, an officer shall without delay give notice to the Immigration Division.Release — officerAn officer may order the release from detention of a permanent resident or a foreign national before the first detention review by the Immigration Division if the officer is of the opinion that the reasons for the detention no longer exist. The officer may impose any conditions, including the payment of a deposit or the posting of a guarantee for compliance with the conditions, that the officer considers necessary.Review of detentionWithin 48 hours after a permanent resident or a foreign national is taken into detention, or without delay afterward, the Immigration Division must review the reasons for the continued detention.Further reviewAt least once during the seven days following the review under subsection (1), and at least once during each 30-day period following each previous review, the Immigration Division must review the reasons for the continued detention.PresenceIn a review under subsection (1) or (2), an officer shall bring the permanent resident or the foreign national before the Immigration Division or to a place specified by it.Release — Immigration DivisionThe Immigration Division shall order the release of a permanent resident or a foreign national unless it is satisfied, taking into account prescribed factors, thatthey are a danger to the public;they are unlikely to appear for examination, an admissibility hearing, removal from Canada, or at a proceeding that could lead to the making of a removal order by the Minister under subsection 44(2);the Minister is taking necessary steps to inquire into a reasonable suspicion that they are inadmissible on grounds of security or for violating human or international rights; orthe Minister is of the opinion that the identity of the foreign national has not been, but may be, established and they have not reasonably cooperated with the Minister by providing relevant information for the purpose of establishing their identity or the Minister is making reasonable efforts to establish their identity.Detention — Immigration DivisionThe Immigration Division may order the detention of a permanent resident or a foreign national if it is satisfied that the permanent resident or the foreign national is the subject of an examination or an admissibility hearing or is subject to a removal order and that the permanent resident or the foreign national is a danger to the public or is unlikely to appear for examination, an admissibility hearing or removal from Canada.ConditionsIf the Immigration Division orders the release of a permanent resident or a foreign national, it may impose any conditions that it considers necessary, including the payment of a deposit or the posting of a guarantee for compliance with the conditions.Incarcerated foreign nationalsIf a warrant for arrest and detention under this Act is issued with respect to a permanent resident or a foreign national who is detained under another Act of Parliament in an institution, the person in charge of the institution shall deliver the inmate to an officer at the end of the inmate’s period of detention in the institution.Minor childrenFor the purposes of this Division, it is affirmed as a principle that a minor child shall be detained only as a measure of last resort, taking into account the other applicable grounds and criteria including the best interests of the child.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for the application of this Division, and may include provisions respectinggrounds for and conditions and criteria with respect to the release of persons from detention;factors to be considered by an officer or the Immigration Division; andspecial considerations that may apply in relation to the detention of minor children.Right of AppealCompetent jurisdictionThe Immigration Appeal Division is the competent Division of the Board with respect to appeals under this Division.Right to appeal — visa refusal of family classA person who has filed in the prescribed manner an application to sponsor a foreign national as a member of the family class may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division against a decision not to issue the foreign national a permanent resident visa.Right to appeal — visa and removal orderA foreign national who holds a permanent resident visa may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division against a decision at an examination or admissibility hearing to make a removal order against them.Right to appeal — removal orderA permanent resident or a protected person may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division against a decision at an examination or admissibility hearing to make a removal order against them.Right of appeal — residency obligationA permanent resident may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division against a decision made outside of Canada on the residency obligation under section 28.Right of appeal — MinisterThe Minister may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division against a decision of the Immigration Division in an admissibility hearing.No appeal for inadmissibilityNo appeal may be made to the Immigration Appeal Division by a foreign national or their sponsor or by a permanent resident if the foreign national or permanent resident has been found to be inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality or organized criminality.Serious criminalityFor the purpose of subsection (1), serious criminality must be with respect to a crime that was punished in Canada by a term of imprisonment of at least two years.MisrepresentationNo appeal may be made under subsection 63(1) in respect of a decision that was based on a finding of inadmissibility on the ground of misrepresentation, unless the foreign national in question is the sponsor’s spouse, common-law partner or child.Humanitarian and compassionate considerationsIn an appeal under subsection 63(1) or (2) respecting an application based on membership in the family class, the Immigration Appeal Division may not consider humanitarian and compassionate considerations unless it has decided that the foreign national is a member of the family class and that their sponsor is a sponsor within the meaning of the regulations.DispositionAfter considering the appeal of a decision, the Immigration Appeal Division shallallow the appeal in accordance with section 67;stay the removal order in accordance with section 68; ordismiss the appeal in accordance with section 69.Appeal allowedTo allow an appeal, the Immigration Appeal Division must be satisfied that, at the time that the appeal is disposed of,the decision appealed is wrong in law or fact or mixed law and fact;a principle of natural justice has not been observed; orother than in the case of an appeal by the Minister, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected by the decision, sufficient humanitarian and compassionate considerations warrant special relief in light of all the circumstances of the case.EffectIf the Immigration Appeal Division allows the appeal, it shall set aside the original decision and substitute a determination that, in its opinion, should have been made, including the making of a removal order, or refer the matter to the appropriate decision-maker for reconsideration.Removal order stayedTo stay a removal order, the Immigration Appeal Division must be satisfied, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected by the decision, that sufficient humanitarian and compassionate considerations warrant special relief in light of all the circumstances of the case.EffectWhere the Immigration Appeal Division stays the removal orderit shall impose any condition that is prescribed and may impose any condition that it considers necessary;all conditions imposed by the Immigration Division are cancelled;it may vary or cancel any non-prescribed condition imposed under paragraph (a); andit may cancel the stay, on application or on its own initiative.ReconsiderationIf the Immigration Appeal Division has stayed a removal order, it may at any time, on application or on its own initiative, reconsider the appeal under this Division.Termination and cancellationIf the Immigration Appeal Division has stayed a removal order against a permanent resident or a foreign national who was found inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality or criminality, and they are convicted of another offence referred to in subsection 36(1), the stay is cancelled by operation of law and the appeal is terminated.DismissalThe Immigration Appeal Division shall dismiss an appeal if it does not allow the appeal or stay the removal order, if any.Minister’s AppealIn the case of an appeal by the Minister respecting a permanent resident or a protected person, other than a person referred to in subsection 64(1), if the Immigration Appeal Division is satisfied that, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected by the decision, sufficient humanitarian and compassionate considerations warrant special relief in light of all the circumstances of the case, it may make and may stay the applicable removal order, or dismiss the appeal, despite being satisfied of a matter set out in paragraph 67(1)(a) or (b).Removal orderIf the Immigration Appeal Division dismisses an appeal made under subsection 63(4) and the permanent resident is in Canada, it shall make a removal order.Decision bindingAn officer, in examining a permanent resident or a foreign national, is bound by the decision of the Immigration Appeal Division to allow an appeal in respect of the foreign national.Examination suspendedIf the Minister makes an application for leave to commence an application for judicial review of a decision of the Immigration Appeal Division with respect to a permanent resident or a foreign national, an examination of the permanent resident or the foreign national under this Act is suspended until the final determination of the application.Reopening appealThe Immigration Appeal Division, on application by a foreign national who has not left Canada under a removal order, may reopen an appeal if it is satisfied that it failed to observe a principle of natural justice.Judicial ReviewApplication for judicial reviewJudicial review by the Federal Court with respect to any matter — a decision, determination or order made, a measure taken or a question raised — under this Act is commenced by making an application for leave to the Court.ApplicationThe following provisions govern an application under subsection (1):the application may not be made until any right of appeal that may be provided by this Act is exhausted;subject to paragraph 169(f), notice of the application shall be served on the other party and the application shall be filed in the Registry of the Federal Court (“the Court”) within 15 days, in the case of a matter arising in Canada, or within 60 days, in the case of a matter arising outside Canada, after the day on which the applicant is notified of or otherwise becomes aware of the matter;a judge of the Court may, for special reasons, allow an extended time for filing and serving the application or notice;a judge of the Court shall dispose of the application without delay and in a summary way and, unless a judge of the Court directs otherwise, without personal appearance; andno appeal lies from the decision of the Court with respect to the application or with respect to an interlocutory judgment.
2001, c. 27, s. 72;
2002, c. 8, s. 194.
Previous VersionRight of MinisterThe Minister may make an application for leave to commence an application for judicial review with respect to any decision of the Refugee Appeal Division, whether or not the Minister took part in the proceedings before the Refugee Protection Division or Refugee Appeal Division.Judicial reviewJudicial review is subject to the following provisions:the judge who grants leave shall fix the day and place for the hearing of the application;the hearing shall be no sooner than 30 days and no later than 90 days after leave was granted, unless the parties agree to an earlier day;the judge shall dispose of the application without delay and in a summary way; andan appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal may be made only if, in rendering judgment, the judge certifies that a serious question of general importance is involved and states the question.RulesSubject to the approval of the Governor in Council, the rules committee established under section 45.1 of the Federal Courts Act may make rules governing the practice and procedure in relation to applications for leave to commence an application for judicial review, for judicial review and for appeals. The rules are binding despite any rule or practice that would otherwise apply.InconsistenciesIn the event of an inconsistency between this Division and any provision of the
Federal Courts Act, this Division prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
2001, c. 27, s. 75;
2002, c. 8, s. 194.
Previous VersionCertificates and Protection of InformationInterpretationDefinitionsThe following definitions apply in this Division.informationrenseignementsinformation means security or criminal intelligence information and information that is obtained in confidence from a source in Canada, the government of a foreign state, an international organization of states or an institution of such a government or international organization. judgejugejudge means the Chief Justice of the Federal Court or a judge of that Court designated by the Chief Justice.
2001, c. 27, s. 76;
2002, c. 8, s. 194;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionCertificateReferral of certificateThe Minister and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration shall sign a certificate stating that a permanent resident or foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality or organized criminality, and shall refer the certificate to the Federal Court.Filing of evidence and summaryWhen the certificate is referred, the Minister shall file with the Court the information and other evidence on which the certificate is based, and a summary of information and other evidence that enables the person who is named in the certificate to be reasonably informed of the case made by the Minister but that does not include anything that, in the Minister’s opinion, would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person if disclosed.Effect of referralOnce the certificate is referred, no proceeding under this Act respecting the person who is named in the certificate — other than proceedings relating to sections 82 to 82.3, 112 and 115 — may be commenced or continued until the judge determines whether the certificate is reasonable.
2001, c. 27, s. 77;
2002, c. 8, s. 194;
2005, c. 10, s. 34;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionDeterminationThe judge shall determine whether the certificate is reasonable and shall quash the certificate if he or she determines that it is not.
2001, c. 27, s. 78;
2005, c. 10, s. 34(E);
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionAppealAn appeal from the determination may be made to the Federal Court of Appeal only if the judge certifies that a serious question of general importance is involved and states the question. However, no appeal may be made from an interlocutory decision in the proceeding.
2001, c. 27, s. 79;
2002, c. 8, s. 194;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionEffect of certificateA certificate that is determined to be reasonable is conclusive proof that the person named in it is inadmissible and is a removal order that is in force without it being necessary to hold or continue an examination or admissibility hearing.
2001, c. 27, s. 80;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionDetention and ReleaseMinisters’ warrantThe Minister and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration may issue a warrant for the arrest and detention of a person who is named in a certificate if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person is a danger to national security or to the safety of any person or is unlikely to appear at a proceeding or for removal.
2001, c. 27, s. 81;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionInitial review of detentionA judge shall commence a review of the reasons for the person’s continued detention within 48 hours after the detention begins.Further reviews of detention — before determining reasonablenessUntil it is determined whether a certificate is reasonable, a judge shall commence another review of the reasons for the person’s continued detention at least once in the six-month period following the conclusion of each preceding review.Further reviews of detention — after determining reasonablenessA person who continues to be detained after a certificate is determined to be reasonable may apply to the Federal Court for another review of the reasons for their continued detention if a period of six months has expired since the conclusion of the preceding review.Reviews of conditionsA person who is released from detention under conditions may apply to the Federal Court for another review of the reasons for continuing the conditions if a period of six months has expired since the conclusion of the preceding review.OrderOn review, the judgeshall order the person’s detention to be continued if the judge is satisfied that the person’s release under conditions would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person or that they would be unlikely to appear at a proceeding or for removal if they were released under conditions; orin any other case, shall order or confirm the person’s release from detention and set any conditions that the judge considers appropriate.
2001, c. 27, s. 82;
2005, c. 10, s. 34;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionVariation of ordersA judge may vary an order made under subsection 82(5) on application of the Minister or of the person who is subject to the order if the judge is satisfied that the variation is desirable because of a material change in the circumstances that led to the order.Calculation of period for next reviewFor the purpose of calculating the six-month period referred to in subsection 82(2), (3) or (4), the conclusion of the preceding review is deemed to have taken place on the day on which the decision under subsection (1) is made.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Arrest and detention — breach of conditionsA peace officer may arrest and detain a person released under section 82 or 82.1 if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person has contravened or is about to contravene any condition applicable to their release.Appearance before judgeThe peace officer shall bring the person before a judge within 48 hours after the detention begins.OrderIf the judge finds that the person has contravened or was about to contravene any condition applicable to their release, the judge shallorder the person’s detention to be continued if the judge is satisfied that the person’s release under conditions would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person or that they would be unlikely to appear at a proceeding or for removal if they were released under conditions;confirm the release order; orvary the conditions applicable to their release.Calculation of period for next reviewFor the purpose of calculating the six-month period referred to in subsection 82(2), (3) or (4), the conclusion of the preceding review is deemed to have taken place on the day on which the decision under subsection (3) is made.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
AppealAn appeal from a decision made under any of sections 82 to 82.2 may be made to the Federal Court of Appeal only if the judge certifies that a serious question of general importance is involved and states the question. However, no appeal may be made from an interlocutory decision in the proceeding.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Minister’s order to releaseThe Minister may, at any time, order that a person who is detained under any of sections 82 to 82.2 be released from detention to permit their departure from Canada.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Protection of InformationProtection of informationThe following provisions apply to proceedings under any of sections 78 and 82 to 82.2:the judge shall proceed as informally and expeditiously as the circumstances and considerations of fairness and natural justice permit;the judge shall appoint a person from the list referred to in subsection 85(1) to act as a special advocate in the proceeding after hearing representations from the permanent resident or foreign national and the Minister and after giving particular consideration and weight to the preferences of the permanent resident or foreign national;at any time during a proceeding, the judge may, on the judge’s own motion — and shall, on each request of the Minister — hear information or other evidence in the absence of the public and of the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel if, in the judge’s opinion, its disclosure could be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person;the judge shall ensure the confidentiality of information and other evidence provided by the Minister if, in the judge’s opinion, its disclosure would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person;throughout the proceeding, the judge shall ensure that the permanent resident or foreign national is provided with a summary of information and other evidence that enables them to be reasonably informed of the case made by the Minister in the proceeding but that does not include anything that, in the judge’s opinion, would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person if disclosed;the judge shall ensure the confidentiality of all information or other evidence that is withdrawn by the Minister;the judge shall provide the permanent resident or foreign national and the Minister with an opportunity to be heard;the judge may receive into evidence anything that, in the judge’s opinion, is reliable and appropriate, even if it is inadmissible in a court of law, and may base a decision on that evidence;the judge may base a decision on information or other evidence even if a summary of that information or other evidence is not provided to the permanent resident or foreign national; andthe judge shall not base a decision on information or other evidence provided by the Minister, and shall return it to the Minister, if the judge determines that it is not relevant or if the Minister withdraws it.ClarificationFor the purposes of paragraph (1)(h), reliable and appropriate evidence does not include information that is believed on reasonable grounds to have been obtained as a result of the use of torture within the meaning of section 269.1 of the Criminal Code, or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment within the meaning of the Convention Against Torture.Appointment of special advocateIf the permanent resident or foreign national requests that a particular person be appointed under paragraph (1)(b), the judge shall appoint that person unless the judge is satisfied thatthe appointment would result in the proceeding being unreasonably delayed;the appointment would place the person in a conflict of interest; orthe person has knowledge of information or other evidence whose disclosure would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person and, in the circumstances, there is a risk of inadvertent disclosure of that information or other evidence.For greater certaintyFor greater certainty, the judge’s power to appoint a person to act as a special advocate in a proceeding includes the power to terminate the appointment and to appoint another person.
2001, c. 27, s. 83;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionProtection of information on appealSection 83 — other than the obligation to provide a summary — and sections 85.1 to 85.5 apply to an appeal under section 79 or 82.3, and to any further appeal, with any necessary modifications.
2001, c. 27, s. 84;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionSpecial AdvocateList of persons who may act as special advocatesThe Minister of Justice shall establish a list of persons who may act as special advocates and shall publish the list in a manner that the Minister of Justice considers appropriate to facilitate public access to it.Statutory Instruments ActThe Statutory Instruments Act does not apply to the list.Administrative support and resourcesThe Minister of Justice shall ensure that special advocates are provided with adequate administrative support and resources.
2001, c. 27, s. 85;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionSpecial advocate’s roleA special advocate’s role is to protect the interests of the permanent resident or foreign national in a proceeding under any of sections 78 and 82 to 82.2 when information or other evidence is heard in the absence of the public and of the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel.ResponsibilitiesA special advocate may challengethe Minister’s claim that the disclosure of information or other evidence would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person; andthe relevance, reliability and sufficiency of information or other evidence that is provided by the Minister and is not disclosed to the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel, and the weight to be given to it.For greater certaintyFor greater certainty, the special advocate is not a party to the proceeding and the relationship between the special advocate and the permanent resident or foreign national is not that of solicitor and client.Protection of communications with special advocateHowever, a communication between the permanent resident or foreign national or their counsel and the special advocate that would be subject to solicitor-client privilege if the relationship were one of solicitor and client is deemed to be subject to solicitor-client privilege. For greater certainty, in respect of that communication, the special advocate is not a compellable witness in any proceeding.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
PowersA special advocate maymake oral and written submissions with respect to the information and other evidence that is provided by the Minister and is not disclosed to the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel;participate in, and cross-examine witnesses who testify during, any part of the proceeding that is held in the absence of the public and of the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel; andexercise, with the judge’s authorization, any other powers that are necessary to protect the interests of the permanent resident or foreign national.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
ImmunityA special advocate is not personally liable for anything they do or omit to do in good faith under this Division.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Obligation to provide informationThe Minister shall, within a period set by the judge, provide the special advocate with a copy of all information and other evidence that is provided to the judge but that is not disclosed to the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel.Restrictions on communications — special advocateAfter that information or other evidence is received by the special advocate, the special advocate may, during the remainder of the proceeding, communicate with another person about the proceeding only with the judge’s authorization and subject to any conditions that the judge considers appropriate.Restrictions on communications — other personsIf the special advocate is authorized to communicate with a person, the judge may prohibit that person from communicating with anyone else about the proceeding during the remainder of the proceeding or may impose conditions with respect to such a communication during that period.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Disclosure and communication prohibitedWith the exception of communications authorized by a judge, no person shalldisclose information or other evidence that is disclosed to them under section 85.4 and that is treated as confidential by the judge presiding at the proceeding; orcommunicate with another person about the content of any part of a proceeding under any of sections 78 and 82 to 82.2 that is heard in the absence of the public and of the permanent resident or foreign national and their counsel.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
RulesThe Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of the Federal Court may each establish a committee to make rules governing the practice and procedure in relation to the participation of special advocates in proceedings before the court over which they preside. The rules are binding despite any rule of practice that would otherwise apply.Composition of committeesAny committee established shall be composed of the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal or the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, as the case may be, the Attorney General of Canada or one or more representatives of the Attorney General of Canada, and one or more members of the bar of any province who have experience in a field of law relevant to those types of proceedings. The Chief Justices may also designate additional members of their respective committees.Chief Justices shall presideThe Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of the Federal Court — or a member designated by them — shall preside over their respective committees.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Other ProceedingsApplication for non-disclosureThe Minister may, during an admissibility hearing, a detention review or an appeal before the Immigration Appeal Division, apply for the non-disclosure of information or other evidence. Sections 83 and 85.1 to 85.5 apply to the proceeding with any necessary modifications, including that a reference to “judge” be read as a reference to the applicable Division of the Board.
2001, c. 27, s. 86;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionApplication for non-disclosure — judicial reviewThe Minister may, during a judicial review, apply for the non-disclosure of information or other evidence. Section 83 — other than the obligations to appoint a special advocate and to provide a summary — applies to the proceeding with any necessary modifications.
2001, c. 27, s. 87;
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
Previous VersionSpecial advocateIf the judge during the judicial review, or a court on appeal from the judge’s decision, is of the opinion that considerations of fairness and natural justice require that a special advocate be appointed to protect the interests of the permanent resident or foreign national, the judge or court shall appoint a special advocate from the list referred to in subsection 85(1). Sections 85.1 to 85.5 apply to the proceeding with any necessary modifications.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
RegulationsRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division and may include provisions respecting conditions and qualifications that persons must meet to be included in the list referred to in subsection 85(1) and additional qualifications that are assets that may be taken into account for that purpose.RequirementsThe regulationsshall require that, to be included in the list, persons be members in good standing of the bar of a province, not be employed in the federal public administration, and not otherwise be associated with the federal public administration in such a way as to impair their ability to protect the interests of the permanent resident or foreign national; andmay include provisions respecting those requirements.
2008, c. 3, s. 4.
General ProvisionsInstructions on Processing Applications and RequestsApplicationThis section applies to applications for visas or other documents made under subsection 11(1), other than those made by persons referred to in subsection 99(2), sponsorship applications made by persons referred to in subsection 13(1), applications for permanent resident status under subsection 21(1) or temporary resident status under subsection 22(1) made by foreign nationals in Canada and to requests under subsection 25(1) made by foreign nationals outside Canada.Attainment of immigration goalsThe processing of applications and requests is to be conducted in a manner that, in the opinion of the Minister, will best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada.InstructionsFor the purposes of subsection (2), the Minister may give instructions with respect to the processing of applications and requests, including instructionsestablishing categories of applications or requests to which the instructions apply;establishing an order, by category or otherwise, for the processing of applications or requests;setting the number of applications or requests, by category or otherwise, to be processed in any year; andproviding for the disposition of applications and requests, including those made subsequent to the first application or request.Compliance with instructionsOfficers and persons authorized to exercise the powers of the Minister under section 25 shall comply with any instructions before processing an application or request or when processing one. If an application or request is not processed, it may be retained, returned or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the Minister.ClarificationThe fact that an application or request is retained, returned or otherwise disposed of does not constitute a decision not to issue the visa or other document, or grant the status or exemption, in relation to which the application or request is made.PublicationInstructions shall be published in the Canada Gazette.ClarificationNothing in this section in any way limits the power of the Minister to otherwise determine the most efficient manner in which to administer this Act.
2008, c. 28, s. 118.
LoansLoansThe Minister of Finance may, from time to time, advance to the Minister out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, up to the maximum amount that is prescribed, sums that the Minister may require in order to make loans for the purposes of this Act.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this section, and may include provisions respecting classes of persons to whom, and the purposes for which, the loans may be made.FeesRegulationsThe regulations may govern fees for services provided in the administration of this Act, and cases in which fees may be waived by the Minister or otherwise, individually or by class.Social Insurance Number CardsMinister directs special cards to be issuedThe Minister may direct the Canada Employment Insurance Commission to issue to persons, other than Canadian citizens or permanent residents, Social Insurance Number Cards, by which the holders of such cards are identified as persons who may be required under this Act to obtain authorization to work in Canada.Representation or AdviceRepresentation or advice for considerationSubject to this section, no person shall knowingly, directly or indirectly, represent or advise a person for consideration — or offer to do so — in connection with a proceeding or application under this Act.Persons who may represent or adviseA person does not contravene subsection (1) if they area lawyer who is a member in good standing of a law society of a province or a notary who is a member in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec;any other member in good standing of a law society of a province or the Chambre des notaires du Québec, including a paralegal; ora member in good standing of a body designated under subsection (5).Students-at-lawA student-at-law does not contravene subsection (1) by offering or providing representation or advice to a person if the student-at-law is acting under the supervision of a person mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) who is representing or advising the person — or offering to do so — in connection with a proceeding or application under this Act.Agreement or arrangement with Her MajestyAn entity, including a person acting on its behalf, that offers or provides services to assist persons in connection with an application under this Act, including for a permanent or temporary resident visa, travel documents or a work or study permit, does not contravene subsection (1) if it is acting in accordance with an agreement or arrangement between that entity and Her Majesty in right of Canada that authorizes it to provide those services.Designation by MinisterThe Minister may, by regulation, designate a body whose members in good standing may represent or advise a person for consideration — or offer to do so — in connection with a proceeding or application under this Act.Revocation of designationFor greater certainty, subsection (5) authorizes the Minister to revoke, by regulation, a designation made under that subsection.Regulations — required informationThe Governor in Council may make regulations requiring the designated body to provide the Minister with any information set out in the regulations, including information relating to its governance and information to assist the Minister to evaluate whether the designated body governs its members in a manner that is in the public interest so that they provide professional and ethical representation and advice.Regulations — transitional measuresThe Minister may, by regulation, provide for measures respecting any transitional issues raised by the exercise of his or her power under subsection (5), including measuresmaking any person or member of a class of persons a member for a specified period of a body that is designated under that subsection; andproviding that members or classes of members of a body that has ceased to be a designated body under that subsection continue for a specified period to be authorized to represent or advise a person for consideration — or offer to do so — in connection with a proceeding or application under this Act without contravening subsection (1).An Act respecting immigration to QuébecFor greater certainty, An Act respecting immigration to Québec, R.S.Q., c. I-0.2, applies to, among other persons, every person who, in Quebec, represents or advises a person for consideration — or offers to do so — in connection with a proceeding or application under this Act andis authorized to do so under regulations made under paragraph (7)(b); oris a member of a body designated under subsection (5).Persons made members of a bodyFor greater certainty, nothing in measures referred to in paragraph (7)(a) exempts a person made a member of a body under the measures from the body’s disciplinary rules concerning suspension or revocation of membership for providing — or offering to provide — representation or advice that is not professional or is not ethical.PenaltiesEvery person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liableon conviction on indictment, to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both; oron summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $20,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both.Meaning of proceedingFor greater certainty, in this section, proceeding does not include a proceeding before a superior court.
2001, c. 27, s. 91;
2011, c. 8, s. 1.
Previous VersionMaterial Incorporated in RegulationsIncorporated materialA regulation may incorporate by reference the following material:material produced by a person or body other than the Governor in Council;material referred to in paragraph (a) that has been subsequently adapted or edited in order to facilitate its incorporation for the purposes of the regulation;material that has been developed jointly with another government or government agency for the purpose of harmonizing the regulation with other laws; andmaterial that is technical or explanatory in nature, such as specifications, classifications, illustrations or graphs, as well as examples that may assist in the application of the regulation.Amended from time to timeMaterial may be incorporated by reference on a specified date or as amended from time to time.Incorporated material is not a regulationFor greater certainty, material that is incorporated by reference in a regulation made under this Act is not a regulation for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.Statutory Instruments ActInstructions given by the Minister under this Act and guidelines issued by the Chairperson under paragraph 159(1)(h) are not statutory instruments for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.Report to ParliamentAnnual report to ParliamentThe Minister must, on or before November 1 of each year or, if a House of Parliament is not then sitting, within the next 30 days on which that House is sitting after that date, table in each House of Parliament a report on the operation of this Act in the preceding calendar year.Contents of reportThe report shall include a description ofthe instructions given under section 87.3 and other activities and initiatives taken concerning the selection of foreign nationals, including measures taken in cooperation with the provinces;in respect of Canada, the number of foreign nationals who became permanent residents, and the number projected to become permanent residents in the following year;in respect of Canada, the linguistic profile of foreign nationals who became permanent residents;in respect of each province that has entered into a federal-provincial agreement described in subsection 9(1), the number, for each class listed in the agreement, of persons that became permanent residents and that the province projects will become permanent residents there in the following year;the number of temporary resident permits issued under section 24, categorized according to grounds of inadmissibility, if any;the number of persons granted permanent resident status under each of subsections 25(1), 25.1(1) and 25.2(1); anda gender-based analysis of the impact of this Act.
2001, c. 27, s. 94;
2008, c. 28, s. 119;
2010, c. 8, s. 9.
Previous VersionREFUGEE PROTECTIONRefugee Protection, Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of ProtectionConferral of refugee protectionRefugee protection is conferred on a person whenthe person has been determined to be a Convention refugee or a person in similar circumstances under a visa application and becomes a permanent resident under the visa or a temporary resident under a temporary resident permit for protection reasons;the Board determines the person to be a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection; orexcept in the case of a person described in subsection 112(3), the Minister allows an application for protection.Protected personA protected person is a person on whom refugee protection is conferred under subsection (1), and whose claim or application has not subsequently been deemed to be rejected under subsection 108(3), 109(3) or 114(4).Convention refugeeA Convention refugee is a person who, by reason of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion,is outside each of their countries of nationality and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to avail themself of the protection of each of those countries; ornot having a country of nationality, is outside the country of their former habitual residence and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to return to that country.Person in need of protectionA person in need of protection is a person in Canada whose removal to their country or countries of nationality or, if they do not have a country of nationality, their country of former habitual residence, would subject them personallyto a danger, believed on substantial grounds to exist, of torture within the meaning of Article 1 of the Convention Against Torture; orto a risk to their life or to a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment ifthe person is unable or, because of that risk, unwilling to avail themself of the protection of that country,the risk would be faced by the person in every part of that country and is not faced generally by other individuals in or from that country,the risk is not inherent or incidental to lawful sanctions, unless imposed in disregard of accepted international standards, andthe risk is not caused by the inability of that country to provide adequate health or medical care.Person in need of protectionA person in Canada who is a member of a class of persons prescribed by the regulations as being in need of protection is also a person in need of protection.Exclusion — Refugee ConventionA person referred to in section E or F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention is not a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection.Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of ProtectionClaim for Refugee ProtectionClaimA claim for refugee protection may be made in or outside Canada.Claim outside CanadaA claim for refugee protection made by a person outside Canada must be made by making an application for a visa as a Convention refugee or a person in similar circumstances, and is governed by Part 1.Claim inside CanadaA claim for refugee protection made by a person inside Canada must be made to an officer, may not be made by a person who is subject to a removal order, and is governed by this Part.Permanent residentAn application to become a permanent resident made by a protected person is governed by Part 1.Examination of Eligibility to Refer ClaimReferral to Refugee Protection DivisionAn officer shall, within three working days after receipt of a claim referred to in subsection 99(3), determine whether the claim is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division and, if it is eligible, shall refer the claim in accordance with the rules of the Board.DecisionThe officer shall suspend consideration of the eligibility of the person’s claim ifa report has been referred for a determination, at an admissibility hearing, of whether the person is inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality or organized criminality; orthe officer considers it necessary to wait for a decision of a court with respect to a claimant who is charged with an offence under an Act of Parliament that is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.Consideration of claimThe Refugee Protection Division may not consider a claim until it is referred by the officer. If the claim is not referred within the three-day period referred to in subsection (1), it is deemed to be referred, unless there is a suspension or it is determined to be ineligible.Duty of claimantThe burden of proving that a claim is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division rests on the claimant, who must answer truthfully all questions put to them. If the claim is referred, the claimant must produce all documents and information as required by the rules of the Board.Quarantine ActIf a traveller is detained or isolated under the Quarantine Act, the period referred to in subsections (1) and (3) does not begin to run until the day on which the detention or isolation ends.
2001, c. 27, s. 100;
2005, c. 20, s. 81.
Previous VersionIneligibilityA claim is ineligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division ifrefugee protection has been conferred on the claimant under this Act;a claim for refugee protection by the claimant has been rejected by the Board;a prior claim by the claimant was determined to be ineligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division, or to have been withdrawn or abandoned;the claimant has been recognized as a Convention refugee by a country other than Canada and can be sent or returned to that country;the claimant came directly or indirectly to Canada from a country designated by the regulations, other than a country of their nationality or their former habitual residence; orthe claimant has been determined to be inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality or organized criminality, except for persons who are inadmissible solely on the grounds of paragraph 35(1)(c).Serious criminalityA claim is not ineligible by reason of serious criminality under paragraph (1)(f) unlessin the case of inadmissibility by reason of a conviction in Canada, the conviction is for an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years and for which a sentence of at least two years was imposed; orin the case of inadmissibility by reason of a conviction outside Canada, the Minister is of the opinion that the person is a danger to the public in Canada and the conviction is for an offence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament that is punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.RegulationsThe regulations may govern matters relating to the application of sections 100 and 101, may, for the purposes of this Act, define the terms used in those sections and, for the purpose of sharing responsibility with governments of foreign states for the consideration of refugee claims, may include provisionsdesignating countries that comply with Article 33 of the Refugee Convention and Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture;making a list of those countries and amending it as necessary; andrespecting the circumstances and criteria for the application of paragraph 101(1)(e).FactorsThe following factors are to be considered in designating a country under paragraph (1)(a):whether the country is a party to the Refugee Convention and to the Convention Against Torture;its policies and practices with respect to claims under the Refugee Convention and with respect to obligations under the Convention Against Torture;its human rights record; andwhether it is party to an agreement with the Government of Canada for the purpose of sharing responsibility with respect to claims for refugee protection.ReviewThe Governor in Council must ensure the continuing review of factors set out in subsection (2) with respect to each designated country.Suspension or Termination of Consideration of ClaimSuspensionProceedings of the Refugee Protection Division and of the Refugee Appeal Division are suspended on notice by an officer thatthe matter has been referred to the Immigration Division to determine whether the claimant is inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality or organized criminality; oran officer considers it necessary to wait for a decision of a court with respect to a claimant who is charged with an offence under an Act of Parliament that may be punished by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.ContinuationOn notice by an officer that the suspended claim was determined to be eligible, proceedings of the Refugee Protection Division and of the Refugee Appeal Division shall continue.Notice of ineligible claimAn officer may, with respect to a claim that is before the Refugee Protection Division or, in the case of paragraph (d), that is before or has been determined by the Refugee Protection Division or the Refugee Appeal Division, give notice that an officer has determined thatthe claim is ineligible under paragraphs 101(1)(a) to (e);the claim is ineligible under paragraph 101(1)(f);the claim was referred as a result of directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter and that the claim was not otherwise eligible to be referred to that Division; orthe claim is not the first claim that was received by an officer in respect of the claimant.Termination and nullificationA notice given under the following provisions has the following effects:if given under any of paragraphs (1)(a) to (c), it terminates pending proceedings in the Refugee Protection Division respecting the claim; andif given under paragraph (1)(d), it terminates proceedings in and nullifies any decision of the Refugee Protection Division or the Refugee Appeal Division respecting a claim other than the first claim.Extradition ProcedureSuspension if proceeding under Extradition ActThe Refugee Protection Division and Refugee Appeal Division shall not commence, or shall suspend, consideration of any matter concerning a person against whom an authority to proceed has been issued under section 15 of the Extradition Act with respect to an offence under Canadian law that is punishable under an Act of Parliament by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, until a final decision under the Extradition Act with respect to the discharge or surrender of the person has been made.Continuation if discharge under Extradition ActIf the person is finally discharged under the Extradition Act, the proceedings of the applicable Division may be commenced or continued as though there had not been any proceedings under that Act.Rejection if surrender under Extradition ActIf the person is ordered surrendered by the Minister of Justice under the Extradition Act and the offence for which the person was committed by the judge under section 29 of that Act is punishable under an Act of Parliament by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, the order of surrender is deemed to be a rejection of a claim for refugee protection based on paragraph (b) of Section F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention.Final decisionThe deemed rejection referred to in subsection (3) may not be appealed, and is not subject to judicial review except to the extent that a judicial review of the order of surrender is provided for under the Extradition Act.Limit if no previous claimIf the person has not made a claim for refugee protection before the order of surrender referred to in subsection (3), the person may not do so before the surrender.Claimant Without IdentificationCredibilityThe Refugee Protection Division must take into account, with respect to the credibility of a claimant, whether the claimant possesses acceptable documentation establishing identity, and if not, whether they have provided a reasonable explanation for the lack of documentation or have taken reasonable steps to obtain the documentation.Decision on Claim for Refugee ProtectionDecisionThe Refugee Protection Division shall accept a claim for refugee protection if it determines that the claimant is a Convention refugee or person in need of protection, and shall otherwise reject the claim.No credible basisIf the Refugee Protection Division is of the opinion, in rejecting a claim, that there was no credible or trustworthy evidence on which it could have made a favourable decision, it shall state in its reasons for the decision that there is no credible basis for the claim.Cessation of Refugee ProtectionRejectionA claim for refugee protection shall be rejected, and a person is not a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, in any of the following circumstances:the person has voluntarily reavailed themself of the protection of their country of nationality;the person has voluntarily reacquired their nationality;the person has acquired a new nationality and enjoys the protection of the country of that new nationality;the person has voluntarily become re-established in the country that the person left or remained outside of and in respect of which the person claimed refugee protection in Canada; orthe reasons for which the person sought refugee protection have ceased to exist.Cessation of refugee protectionOn application by the Minister, the Refugee Protection Division may determine that refugee protection referred to in subsection 95(1) has ceased for any of the reasons described in subsection (1).Effect of decisionIf the application is allowed, the claim of the person is deemed to be rejected.ExceptionParagraph (1)(e) does not apply to a person who establishes that there are compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution, torture, treatment or punishment for refusing to avail themselves of the protection of the country which they left, or outside of which they remained, due to such previous persecution, torture, treatment or punishment.Applications to VacateVacation of refugee protectionThe Refugee Protection Division may, on application by the Minister, vacate a decision to allow a claim for refugee protection, if it finds that the decision was obtained as a result of directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter.Rejection of applicationThe Refugee Protection Division may reject the application if it is satisfied that other sufficient evidence was considered at the time of the first determination to justify refugee protection.Allowance of applicationIf the application is allowed, the claim of the person is deemed to be rejected and the decision that led to the conferral of refugee protection is nullified.Appeal to Refugee Appeal DivisionAppealA person or the Minister may appeal, in accordance with the rules of the Board, on a question of law, of fact or of mixed law and fact, to the Refugee Appeal Division against a decision of the Refugee Protection Division to allow or reject the person’s claim for refugee protection, or a decision of the Refugee Protection Division rejecting an application by the Minister for a determination that refugee protection has ceased or an application by the Minister to vacate a decision to allow a claim for refugee protection.Restriction on appealsA determination that a refugee protection claim has been withdrawn or abandoned may not be appealed.Making of appealThe appeal must be filed and perfected within the time limits set out in the regulations.ProcedureSubject to subsections (3.1), (4) and (6), the Refugee Appeal Division must proceed without a hearing, on the basis of the record of the proceedings of the Refugee Protection Division, and may accept documentary evidence and written submissions from the Minister and the person who is the subject of the appeal and written submissions from a representative or agent of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and any other person described in the rules of the Board.Time limitsUnless a hearing is held under subsection (6), the Refugee Appeal Division must make a decision within the time limits set out in the regulations.Evidence that may be presentedOn appeal, the person who is the subject of the appeal may present only evidence that arose after the rejection of their claim or that was not reasonably available, or that the person could not reasonably have been expected in the circumstances to have presented, at the time of the rejection.ExceptionSubsection (4) does not apply in respect of evidence that is presented in response to evidence presented by the Minister.HearingThe Refugee Appeal Division may hold a hearing if, in its opinion, there is documentary evidence referred to in subsection (3)that raises a serious issue with respect to the credibility of the person who is the subject of the appeal;that is central to the decision with respect to the refugee protection claim; andthat, if accepted, would justify allowing or rejecting the refugee protection claim.
2001, c. 27, s. 110;
2010, c. 8, s. 13.
Previous VersionDecisionAfter considering the appeal, the Refugee Appeal Division shall make one of the following decisions:confirm the determination of the Refugee Protection Division;set aside the determination and substitute a determination that, in its opinion, should have been made; orrefer the matter to the Refugee Protection Division for re-determination, giving the directions to the Refugee Protection Division that it considers appropriate.Manifestly unfoundedFor greater certainty, if the Refugee Appeal Division does not set it aside, the Refugee Protection Division’s determination under section 107.1 is confirmed.ReferralsThe Refugee Appeal Division may make the referral described in paragraph (1)(c) only if it is of the opinion thatthe decision of the Refugee Protection Division is wrong in law, in fact or in mixed law and fact; andit cannot make a decision under paragraph 111(1)(a) or (b) without hearing evidence that was presented to the Refugee Protection Division.
2001, c. 27, s. 111;
2010, c. 8, s. 14.
Previous VersionPre-removal Risk AssessmentProtectionApplication for protectionA person in Canada, other than a person referred to in subsection 115(1), may, in accordance with the regulations, apply to the Minister for protection if they are subject to a removal order that is in force or are named in a certificate described in subsection 77(1).ExceptionDespite subsection (1), a person may not apply for protection ifthey are the subject of an authority to proceed issued under section 15 of the Extradition Act;they have made a claim to refugee protection that has been determined under paragraph 101(1)(e) to be ineligible;in the case of a person who has not left Canada since the application for protection was rejected, the prescribed period has not expired; orin the case of a person who has left Canada since the removal order came into force, less than six months have passed since they left Canada after their claim to refugee protection was determined to be ineligible, abandoned, withdrawn or rejected, or their application for protection was rejected.RestrictionRefugee protection may not result from an application for protection if the personis determined to be inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights or organized criminality;is determined to be inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality with respect to a conviction in Canada punished by a term of imprisonment of at least two years or with respect to a conviction outside Canada for an offence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years;made a claim to refugee protection that was rejected on the basis of section F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention; oris named in a certificate referred to in subsection 77(1).Consideration of applicationConsideration of an application for protection shall be as follows:an applicant whose claim to refugee protection has been rejected may present only new evidence that arose after the rejection or was not reasonably available, or that the applicant could not reasonably have been expected in the circumstances to have presented, at the time of the rejection;a hearing may be held if the Minister, on the basis of prescribed factors, is of the opinion that a hearing is required;in the case of an applicant not described in subsection 112(3), consideration shall be on the basis of sections 96 to 98;in the case of an applicant described in subsection 112(3), consideration shall be on the basis of the factors set out in section 97 andin the case of an applicant for protection who is inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality, whether they are a danger to the public in Canada, orin the case of any other applicant, whether the application should be refused because of the nature and severity of acts committed by the applicant or because of the danger that the applicant constitutes to the security of Canada.Effect of decisionA decision to allow the application for protection hasin the case of an applicant not described in subsection 112(3), the effect of conferring refugee protection; andin the case of an applicant described in subsection 112(3), the effect of staying the removal order with respect to a country or place in respect of which the applicant was determined to be in need of protection.Cancellation of stayIf the Minister is of the opinion that the circumstances surrounding a stay of the enforcement of a removal order have changed, the Minister may re-examine, in accordance with paragraph 113(d) and the regulations, the grounds on which the application was allowed and may cancel the stay.Vacation of determinationIf the Minister is of the opinion that a decision to allow an application for protection was obtained as a result of directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts on a relevant matter, the Minister may vacate the decision.Effect of vacationIf a decision is vacated under subsection (3), it is nullified and the application for protection is deemed to have been rejected.Principle of Non-refoulementProtectionA protected person or a person who is recognized as a Convention refugee by another country to which the person may be returned shall not be removed from Canada to a country where they would be at risk of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion or at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.ExceptionsSubsection (1) does not apply in the case of a personwho is inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality and who constitutes, in the opinion of the Minister, a danger to the public in Canada; orwho is inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights or organized criminality if, in the opinion of the Minister, the person should not be allowed to remain in Canada on the basis of the nature and severity of acts committed or of danger to the security of Canada.Removal of refugeeA person, after a determination under paragraph 101(1)(e) that the person’s claim is ineligible, is to be sent to the country from which the person came to Canada, but may be sent to another country if that country is designated under subsection 102(1) or if the country from which the person came to Canada has rejected their claim for refugee protection.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division, and may include provisions respecting procedures to be followed with respect to applications for protection and decisions made under section 115, including the establishment of factors to determine whether a hearing is required.ENFORCEMENTHuman Smuggling and TraffickingOrganizing entry into CanadaNo person shall knowingly organize, induce, aid or abet the coming into Canada of one or more persons who are not in possession of a visa, passport or other document required by this Act.Penalties — fewer than 10 personsA person who contravenes subsection (1) with respect to fewer than 10 persons is guilty of an offence and liableon conviction on indictmentfor a first offence, to a fine of not more than $500,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or to both, orfor a subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than 14 years, or to both; andon summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, or to both.Penalty — 10 persons or moreA person who contravenes subsection (1) with respect to a group of 10 persons or more is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction by way of indictment to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to life imprisonment, or to both.No proceedings without consentNo proceedings for an offence under this section may be instituted except by or with the consent of the Attorney General of Canada.Offence — trafficking in personsNo person shall knowingly organize the coming into Canada of one or more persons by means of abduction, fraud, deception or use or threat of force or coercion.Definition of organizeFor the purpose of subsection (1), organize, with respect to persons, includes their recruitment or transportation and, after their entry into Canada, the receipt or harbouring of those persons.Disembarking persons at seaA person shall not disembark a person or group of persons at sea for the purpose of inducing, aiding or abetting them to come into Canada in contravention of this Act.PenaltiesA person who contravenes section 118 or 119 is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction by way of indictment to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to life imprisonment, or to both.Aggravating factorsThe court, in determining the penalty to be imposed under subsection 117(2) or (3) or section 120, shall take into account whetherbodily harm or death occurred during the commission of the offence;the commission of the offence was for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization;the commission of the offence was for profit, whether or not any profit was realized; anda person was subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, including with respect to work or health conditions or sexual exploitation as a result of the commission of the offence.Definition of criminal organizationFor the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), criminal organization means an organization that is believed on reasonable grounds to be or to have been engaged in activity that is part of a pattern of criminal activity planned and organized by a number of persons acting in concert in furtherance of the commission of an offence punishable under an Act of Parliament by way of indictment or in furtherance of the commission of an offence outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would constitute such an offence.Offences Related to DocumentsDocumentsNo person shall, in order to contravene this Act,possess a passport, visa or other document, of Canadian or foreign origin, that purports to establish or that could be used to establish a person’s identity;use such a document, including for the purpose of entering or remaining in Canada; orimport, export or deal in such a document.Proof of offenceProof of the matters referred to in subsection (1) in relation to a forged document or a document that is blank, incomplete, altered or not genuine is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, proof that the person intends to contravene this Act.PenaltyEvery person who contravenesparagraph 122(1)(a) is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction on indictment to a term of imprisonment of up to five years; andparagraph 122(1)(b) or (c) is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction on indictment to a term of imprisonment of up to 14 years.Aggravating factorsThe court, in determining the penalty to be imposed, shall take into account whetherthe commission of the offence was for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization as defined in subsection 121(2); andthe commission of the offence was for profit, whether or not any profit was realized.General OffencesContravention of ActEvery person commits an offence whocontravenes a provision of this Act for which a penalty is not specifically provided or fails to comply with a condition or obligation imposed under this Act;escapes or attempts to escape from lawful custody or detention under this Act; oremploys a foreign national in a capacity in which the foreign national is not authorized under this Act to be employed.Deemed knowledgeFor the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), a person who fails to exercise due diligence to determine whether employment is authorized under this Act is deemed to know that it is not authorized.Due diligence defenceA person referred to in subsection 148(1) shall not be found guilty of an offence under paragraph (1)(a) if it is established that they exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence.PenaltiesA person who commits an offence under subsection 124(1) is liableon conviction on indictment, to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both; oron summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both.Counselling misrepresentationEvery person who knowingly counsels, induces, aids or abets or attempts to counsel, induce, aid or abet any person to directly or indirectly misrepresent or withhold material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act is guilty of an offence.MisrepresentationNo person shall knowinglydirectly or indirectly misrepresent or withhold material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act;communicate, directly or indirectly, by any means, false or misleading information or declarations with intent to induce or deter immigration to Canada; orrefuse to be sworn or to affirm or declare, as the case may be, or to answer a question put to the person at an examination or at a proceeding held under this Act.PenaltiesA person who contravenes a provision of section 126 or 127 is guilty of an offence and liableon conviction on indictment, to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years, or to both; oron summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both.Offences relating to officersEvery person is guilty of an offence whobeing an officer or an employee of the Government of Canada, knowingly makes or issues any false document or statement, or accepts or agrees to accept a bribe or other benefit, in respect of any matter under this Act or knowingly fails to perform their duties under this Act;gives or offers to give a bribe or consideration to, or makes an agreement or arrangement with, an officer to induce the officer not to perform their duties under this Act;falsely personates an officer or by any act or omission leads any person to believe that the person is an officer; orobstructs or impedes an officer in the performance of the officer’s duties under this Act.PunishmentEvery person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liableon conviction on indictment, to a fine of not more than $50,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than five years, or to both; oron summary conviction, to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both.[Repealed, 2001, c. 32, s. 81]Counselling offenceEvery person who knowingly induces, aids or abets or attempts to induce, aid or abet any person to contravene section 117, 118, 119, 122, 124 or 129, or who counsels a person to do so, commits an offence and is liable to the same penalty as that person.
2001, c. 27, s. 131, c. 32, s. 81.
[Repealed, 2001, c. 32, s. 81]Prosecution of OffencesDeferralA person who has claimed refugee protection, and who came to Canada directly or indirectly from the country in respect of which the claim is made, may not be charged with an offence under section 122, paragraph 124(1)(a) or section 127 of this Act or under section 57, paragraph 340(c) or section 354, 366, 368, 374 or 403 of the Criminal Code, in relation to the coming into Canada of the person, pending disposition of their claim for refugee protection or if refugee protection is conferred.Limitation periodA proceeding by way of summary conviction in respect of an offence under section 117, 126, 127 or 131 may be instituted at any time within, but not later than, 10 years after the day on which the subject-matter of the proceeding arose.ApplicationSubsection (1) does not apply if the subject-matter of the proceeding arose before the day on which this section comes into force.
2011, c. 8, s. 3.
Defence — incorporation by referenceNo person may be found guilty of an offence or subjected to a penalty for the contravention of a provision of a regulation that incorporates material by reference, unless it is proved that, at the time of the alleged contravention,the material was reasonably accessible to the person;reasonable steps had been taken to ensure that the material was accessible to persons likely to be affected by the regulation; orthe material had been published in the Canada Gazette.Offences outside CanadaAn act or omission that would by reason of this Act be punishable as an offence if committed in Canada is, if committed outside Canada, an offence under this Act and may be tried and punished in Canada.VenueA proceeding in respect of an offence under this Act may be instituted, tried and determined at the place in Canada where the offence was committed or at the place in Canada where the person charged with the offence is or has an office or place of business at the time of the institution of those proceedings.Where commission outside CanadaA proceeding in respect of an offence under this Act that is committed outside Canada may be instituted, tried and determined at any place in Canada.ForfeitureForfeitureA court that convicts a person of an offence under this Act may, in addition to any other punishment imposed, order that any offence-related property seized in relation to the offence be forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada.RegulationsThe regulations may define the expression “offence-related property” for the purposes of this section, may provide for any matter relating to the application of this section, and may include provisions respecting the return to their lawful owner, disposition, or disposition of the proceeds of disposition, of offence-related property that has been seized.Officers Authorized to Enforce ActPowers of peace officerAn officer, if so authorized, has the authority and powers of a peace officer — including those set out in sections 487 to 492.2 of the Criminal Code — to enforce this Act, including any of its provisions with respect to the arrest, detention or removal from Canada of any person.Temporary assistantsAn officer may, in cases of emergency, employ a person to assist the officer in carrying out duties under this Act. That person has the authority and powers of the officer for a period of no more than 48 hours, unless approved by the Minister.SearchAn officer may search any person seeking to come into Canada and may search their luggage and personal effects and the means of transportation that conveyed the person to Canada if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that the personhas not revealed their identity or has hidden on or about their person documents that are relevant to their admissibility; orhas committed, or possesses documents that may be used in the commission of, an offence referred to in section 117, 118 or 122.Search by person of same sexA search of a person under this section must be performed by a person of the same sex as the person being searched. If an officer of the same sex is not available, any suitable person of the same sex may be authorized by an officer to perform the search.SeizureAn officer may seize and hold any means of transportation, document or other thing if the officer believes on reasonable grounds that it was fraudulently or improperly obtained or used or that the seizure is necessary to prevent its fraudulent or improper use or to carry out the purposes of this Act.InterpretationDespite subsection 42(2) of the Canada Post Corporation Act, a thing or document that is detained under the Customs Act and seized by an officer is not in the course of post for the purposes of the Canada Post Corporation Act.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this section and may include provisions respecting the deposit of security as a guarantee to replace things that have been seized or that might otherwise be seized, and the return to their lawful owner, and the disposition, of things that have been seized.Oaths and evidenceEvery officer has the authority to administer oaths and to take and receive evidence under oath on any matter arising out of this Act.Peace OfficersDuties of peace officers to execute ordersEvery peace officer and every person in immediate charge or control of an immigrant station shall, when so directed by an officer, execute any warrant or written order issued under this Act for the arrest, detention or removal from Canada of any permanent resident or foreign national.Authority to execute warrants and ordersA warrant issued or an order to detain made under this Act is, notwithstanding any other law, sufficient authority to the person to whom it is addressed or who may receive and execute it to arrest and detain the person with respect to whom the warrant or order was issued or made.Ticketable OffencesProsecution of designated offencesIn addition to other procedures set out in this Act or in the Criminal Code for commencing a proceeding, proceedings in respect of any offence that is prescribed by regulation may be commenced in accordance with this section.ProcedureAn officer may commence a proceeding bycompleting a ticket that consists of a summons portion and an information portion;delivering the summons portion of the ticket to the accused or mailing it to the accused at the accused’s latest known address; andfiling the information portion of the ticket with a court of competent jurisdiction before or as soon as practicable after the summons portion has been delivered or mailed.Content of ticketThe summons and information portions of a ticket mustset out a description of the offence and the time and place of its alleged commission;include a statement, signed by the officer, that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the accused committed the offence;set out the amount of the prescribed fine for the offence and the manner in which and period within which it must be paid;include a statement that, if the accused pays the fine within the period set out in the ticket, a conviction will be entered and recorded against the accused; andinclude a statement that if the accused wishes to plead not guilty or for any other reason fails to pay the fine within the period set out in the ticket, the accused must appear in the court and at the time set out in the ticket.Consequences of paymentPayment of the fine by the accused within the period set out in the ticket constitutes a plea of guilty to the offence described in the ticket and, following the payment,a conviction shall be entered against the accused and no further action shall be taken against the accused in respect of that offence; andany thing seized from the accused under this Act relating to the offence described in the ticket, or any proceeds realized from its disposition, are forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada and may be disposed of as the Minister directs.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this section, and may include provisions prescribingthe offences referred to in subsection (1) and the manner in which those offences may be described in tickets; andthe amount of the fine, not exceeding $10,000, for a prescribed offence.Debt Due to Her MajestyDebts dueThe following amounts are debts due to Her Majesty in right of Canada payable on demand:a debt incurred by Her Majesty for which any person is liable under this Act;an amount that a person has agreed to pay as a deposit or guarantee of performance of an obligation under this Act;the costs incurred in removing a prescribed foreign national from Canada;an amount that is ordered to be paid under section 147 on account of an unpaid liability; andan amount referred to in paragraph 148(1)(g).Debts due — sponsorsSubject to any federal-provincial agreement, an amount that a sponsor is required to pay under the terms of an undertaking is payable on demand to Her Majesty in right of Canada and Her Majesty in right of the province concerned and may be recovered by Her Majesty in either or both of those rights.Recovery of debtA debt may be recovered at any time.Collection of Debts Due to Her MajestyCertificatesAn amount or part of an amount payable under this Act that has not been paid may be certified by the Ministerwithout delay, if the Minister is of the opinion that the person liable for that amount is attempting to avoid payment; andin any other case, on the expiration of 30 days after the default.JudgmentsThe certificate is to be filed and registered in the Federal Court and, when registered, has the same force and effect, and all proceedings may be taken, as if the certificate were a judgment obtained in the Court for a debt of the amount specified in the certificate plus interest to the day of payment.CostsThe costs of registering the certificate are recoverable in the same manner as if they had been included in the certificate.GarnishmentIf the Minister is of the opinion that a person is or is about to become liable to make a payment to a person liable to make a payment under this Act, the Minister may, by written notice, order the first person to pay to the Receiver General, on account of the second person’s liability, all or part of the money otherwise payable to the second person.Applicability to future paymentsIf the Minister, under subsection (1), orders an employer to pay to the Receiver General money otherwise payable to an employee as remuneration,the order is applicable to all future payments of remuneration until the liability is satisfied; andthe employer shall pay to the Receiver General out of each payment of remuneration the amount that the Minister stipulates in the notice.Discharge of liabilityThe receipt of the Minister is a good and sufficient discharge of the original liability to the extent of the payment.RegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this section.Transportation CompaniesObligation of operators of vehicles and facilitiesA person who owns or operates a vehicle or a transportation facility, and an agent for such a person, must, in accordance with the regulations,not carry to Canada a person who is prescribed or does not hold a prescribed document, or who an officer directs not be carried;hold the prescribed documentation of a person whom it carries to Canada until an examination begins, present the person for examination and hold the person until the examination is completed;arrange for a medical examination and medical treatment and observation of a person it carries to Canada;provide prescribed information, including documentation and reports;provide facilities for the holding and examination of persons being carried to Canada;carry from Canada a person whom it has carried to or caused to enter Canada and who is prescribed or whom an officer directs to be carried;pay for all prescribed costs and fees relating to paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (f); andprovide security for compliance with its obligations under paragraphs (a) to (g).Seizure of security for complianceIf a person who owns or operates a vehicle or a transportation facility, or an agent of such a person, fails to comply with an obligation under this Act, all or part of any security provided by the person and any vehicle or other prescribed good owned or operated by the person may be detained, seized or forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada.Use of informationThe following provisions govern information provided under paragraph 148(1)(d):the information may be used only for the purposes of this Act or the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act or to identify a person for whom a warrant of arrest has been issued in Canada; andnotice regarding use of the information must be given to the person to whom it relates.
2001, c. 27, s. 149;
2004, c. 15, s. 71.
Previous VersionRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the purposes of sections 148 and 149, may define, for the purposes of this Act, terms used in those sections and may include provisions respectingthe requirements and procedures applicable to a person who owns or operates a vehicle or a transportation facility;the costs and fees for which a person who owns or operates a vehicle or a transportation facility is liable;the procedures to be followed when a vehicle or other security is detained, seized, forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada or returned; andthe procedures by which a person may make claim that their interest in a vehicle or other good is not affected by it being detained, seized or forfeited to Her Majesty in right of Canada.Sharing of InformationRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating tothe collection, retention, use, disclosure and disposal of information for the purposes of this Act or for the purposes of program legislation as defined in section 2 of the Canada Border Services Agency Act;the disclosure of information for the purposes of national security, the defence of Canada or the conduct of international affairs, including the implementation of an agreement or arrangement entered into under section 5 of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Act or section 13 of the Canada Border Services Agency Act; andthe disclosure of information relating to the professional or ethical conduct of a person referred to in any of paragraphs 91(2)(a) to (c) in connection with a proceeding — other than a proceeding before a superior court — or application under this Act to a body that is responsible for governing or investigating that conduct or to a person who is responsible for investigating that conduct, for the purposes of ensuring that persons referred to in those paragraphs offer and provide professional and ethical representation and advice to persons in connection with such proceedings and applications.ConditionsRegulations made under subsection (1) may include conditions under which the collection, retention, use, disposal and disclosure may be made.
2004, c. 15, s. 72;
2005, c. 38, s. 119;
2011, c. 8, s. 4.
Previous VersionIMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE BOARDComposition of BoardImmigration and Refugee BoardThe Immigration and Refugee Board consists of the Refugee Protection Division, the Refugee Appeal Division, the Immigration Division and the Immigration Appeal Division.CompositionThe Board is composed of a Chairperson and other members as are required to ensure the proper functioning of the Board.Chairperson and other membersThe Chairperson and members of the Refugee Protection Division, Refugee Appeal Division and Immigration Appeal Divisionare appointed to the Board by the Governor in Council, to hold office during good behaviour for a term not exceeding seven years, subject to removal by the Governor in Council at any time for cause, to serve in a regional or district office of the Board;shall swear the oath or give the solemn affirmation of office set out in the rules of the Board;are eligible for reappointment in the same or another capacity;shall receive the remuneration that may be fixed by the Governor in Council;are entitled to be paid reasonable travel and living expenses incurred while absent in the course of their duties, in the case of a full-time member, from their ordinary place of work or, in the case of a part-time member, while absent from their ordinary place of residence;are deemed to be employed in the public service for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation Act and in the federal public administration for the purposes of the Government Employees Compensation Act and any regulations made under section 9 of the Aeronautics Act;may not accept or hold any office or employment or carry on any activity inconsistent with their duties and functions under this Act; andif appointed as full-time members, must devote the whole of their time to the performance of their duties under this Act.Deputy Chairperson and Assistant Deputy ChairpersonsOne Deputy Chairperson for each Division referred to in subsection (1) and not more than 10 Assistant Deputy Chairpersons are to be designated by the Governor in Council from among the full-time members of those Divisions.Full-time and part-time appointmentsThe Chairperson and the Deputy Chairpersons and Assistant Deputy Chairpersons of the Divisions referred to in subsection (1) are appointed on a full-time basis and the other members are appointed on a full-time or part-time basis.QualificationThe Deputy Chairperson of the Immigration Appeal Division and a majority of the Assistant Deputy Chairpersons of that Division and at least 10 per cent of the members of the Divisions referred to in subsection (1) must be members of at least five years standing at the bar of a province or notaries of at least five years standing at the Chambre des notaires du Québec.
2001, c. 27, s. 153;
2003, c. 22, s. 173.
Previous VersionDisposition after member ceases to hold officeA former member of the Board, within eight weeks after ceasing to be a member, may make or take part in a decision on a matter that they heard as a member, if the Chairperson so requests. For that purpose, the former member is deemed to be a member.Disposition if member unable to take partIf a member of a three-member panel is unable to take part in the disposition of a matter that the member has heard, the remaining members may make the disposition and, for that purpose, are deemed to constitute the applicable Division.Immunity and no summonsThe following rules apply to the Chairperson and the members in respect of the exercise or purported exercise of their functions under this Act:no criminal or civil proceedings lie against them for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith; andthey are not competent or compellable to appear as a witness in any civil proceedings.Head Office and StaffHead officeThe head office of the Board shall be in the National Capital Region as described in the schedule to the National Capital Act.Residence — ChairpersonThe Chairperson must live in the National Capital Region or within reasonable commuting distance of it.PersonnelThe Executive Director and other personnel necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Board shall be appointed in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act, and the personnel are deemed to be employed in the public service for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation Act.
2001, c. 27, s. 158;
2003, c. 22, s. 225(E).
Previous VersionDuties of ChairpersonChairpersonThe Chairperson is, by virtue of holding that office, a member of each Division of the Board and is the chief executive officer of the Board. In that capacity, the Chairpersonhas supervision over and direction of the work and staff of the Board;may at any time assign a member appointed under paragraph 153(1)(a) to the Refugee Protection Division, the Refugee Appeal Division and the Immigration Appeal Division;may at any time, notwithstanding paragraph 153(1)(a), assign a member, other than a member of the Immigration Division, to work in another regional or district office in order to satisfy operational requirements, but an assignment may not exceed 90 days without the approval of the Governor in Council;designates from among the full-time members of the Board coordinating members for a Division, other than the Immigration Division;assigns administrative functions to the members of the Board;apportions work among the members of the Board and fixes the place, date and time of proceedings;takes any action that may be necessary to ensure that the members of the Board carry out their duties efficiently and without undue delay;may issue guidelines in writing to members of the Board and identify decisions of the Board as jurisprudential guides, after consulting with the Deputy Chairpersons and the Director General of the Immigration Division, to assist members in carrying out their duties; andmay appoint and, subject to the approval of the Treasury Board, fix the remuneration of experts or persons having special knowledge to assist the Divisions in any matter.DelegationThe Chairperson may delegate any of his or her powers under this Act to a member of the Board, other than a member of the Immigration Division, except thatpowers conferred under subsection 161(1) may not be delegated;powers referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (i) may be delegated to the Executive Director of the Board; andpowers in relation to the Immigration Division may only be delegated to the Director General, directors or members of that Division.Absence, incapacity or vacancyIn the event of the absence or incapacity of the Chairperson, or if the office of Chairperson is vacant, the Minister may authorize one of the Deputy Chairpersons or any other member of the Board to act as Chairperson.Functioning of BoardRulesSubject to the approval of the Governor in Council, and in consultation with the Deputy Chairpersons and the Director General of the Immigration Division, the Chairperson may make rules respectingthe activities, practice and procedure of each of the Divisions of the Board, including the periods for appeal, the priority to be given to proceedings, the notice that is required and the period in which notice must be given;the conduct of persons in proceedings before the Board, as well as the consequences of, and sanctions for, the breach of those rules;the information that may be required and the manner in which, and the time within which, it must be provided with respect to a proceeding before the Board; andany other matter considered by the Chairperson to require rules.Tabling in ParliamentThe Minister shall cause a copy of any rule made under subsection (1) to be laid before each House of Parliament on any of the first 15 days on which that House is sitting after the approval of the rule by the Governor in Council.Provisions that Apply to All DivisionsSole and exclusive jurisdictionEach Division of the Board has, in respect of proceedings brought before it under this Act, sole and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all questions of law and fact, including questions of jurisdiction.ProcedureEach Division shall deal with all proceedings before it as informally and quickly as the circumstances and the considerations of fairness and natural justice permit.Composition of panelsMatters before a Division shall be conducted before a single member unless, except for matters before the Immigration Division, the Chairperson is of the opinion that a panel of three members should be constituted.Presence of partiesWhere a hearing is held by a Division, it may, in the Division’s discretion, be conducted in the presence of, or by a means of live telecommunication with, the person who is the subject of the proceedings.Powers of a commissionerThe Refugee Protection Division and the Immigration Division and each member of those Divisions have the powers and authority of a commissioner appointed under Part I of the Inquiries Act and may do any other thing they consider necessary to provide a full and proper hearing.Proceedings — all DivisionsProceedings before a Division are to be conducted as follows:subject to the other provisions of this section, proceedings must be held in public;on application or on its own initiative, the Division may conduct a proceeding in the absence of the public, or take any other measure that it considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the proceedings, if, after having considered all available alternate measures, the Division is satisfied that there isa serious possibility that the life, liberty or security of a person will be endangered if the proceeding is held in public,a real and substantial risk to the fairness of the proceeding such that the need to prevent disclosure outweighs the societal interest that the proceeding be conducted in public, ora real and substantial risk that matters involving public security will be disclosed;subject to paragraph (d), proceedings before the Refugee Protection Division and the Immigration Division concerning a claimant of refugee protection, proceedings concerning cessation and vacation applications and proceedings before the Refugee Appeal Division must be held in the absence of the public;on application or on its own initiative, the Division may conduct a proceeding in public, or take any other measure that it considers necessary to ensure the appropriate access to the proceedings if, after having considered all available alternate measures and the factors set out in paragraph (b), the Division is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so;despite paragraphs (b) and (c), a representative or agent of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is entitled to observe proceedings concerning a protected person or a person who has made a claim to refugee protection; anddespite paragraph (e), the representative or agent may not observe any part of the proceedings that deals with information or other evidence in respect of which an application has been made under section 86, and not rejected, or with information or other evidence protected under that section.
2001, c. 27, s. 166;
2008, c. 3, s. 5.
Previous VersionRight to counselBoth a person who is the subject of Board proceedings and the Minister may, at their own expense, be represented by a barrister or solicitor or other counsel.RepresentationIf a person who is the subject of proceedings is under 18 years of age or unable, in the opinion of the applicable Division, to appreciate the nature of the proceedings, the Division shall designate a person to represent the person.Abandonment of proceedingA Division may determine that a proceeding before it has been abandoned if the Division is of the opinion that the applicant is in default in the proceedings, including by failing to appear for a hearing, to provide information required by the Division or to communicate with the Division on being requested to do so.Abuse of processA Division may refuse to allow an applicant to withdraw from a proceeding if it is of the opinion that the withdrawal would be an abuse of process under its rules.Decisions and reasonsIn the case of a decision of a Division, other than an interlocutory decision:the decision takes effect in accordance with the rules;reasons for the decision must be given;the decision may be rendered orally or in writing, except a decision of the Refugee Appeal Division, which must be rendered in writing;if the Refugee Protection Division rejects a claim, written reasons must be provided to the claimant and the Minister;if the person who is the subject of proceedings before the Board or the Minister requests reasons for a decision within 10 days of notification of the decision, or in circumstances set out in the rules of the Board, the Division must provide written reasons; andthe period in which to apply for judicial review with respect to a decision of the Board is calculated from the giving of notice of the decision or from the sending of written reasons, whichever is later.Refugee Protection DivisionProceedingsThe Refugee Protection Division, in any proceeding before it,may inquire into any matter that it considers relevant to establishing whether a claim is well-founded;must hold a hearing;must notify the person who is the subject of the proceeding and the Minister of the hearing;must provide the Minister, on request, with the documents and information referred to in subsection 100(4);must give the person and the Minister a reasonable opportunity to present evidence, question witnesses and make representations;may, despite paragraph (b), allow a claim for refugee protection without a hearing, if the Minister has not notified the Division, within the period set out in the rules of the Board, of the Minister’s intention to intervene;is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence;may receive and base a decision on evidence that is adduced in the proceedings and considered credible or trustworthy in the circumstances; andmay take notice of any facts that may be judicially noticed, any other generally recognized facts and any information or opinion that is within its specialized knowledge.Refugee Appeal DivisionProceedingsIn the case of a proceeding of the Refugee Appeal Division,the Division must give notice of any hearing to the Minister and to the person who is the subject of the appeal;subject to subsection 110(4), if a hearing is held, the Division must give the person who is the subject of the appeal and the Minister the opportunity to present evidence, question witnesses and make submissions;the Division is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence;the Division may receive and base a decision on evidence that is adduced in the proceedings and considered credible or trustworthy in the circumstances;the Minister may, after giving notice in accordance with the rules, intervene in the appeal, including for the purpose of filing submissions;the Division may take notice of any facts that may be judicially noticed and of any other generally recognized facts and any information or opinion that is within its specialized knowledge; anda decision of a panel of three members of the Refugee Appeal Division has, for the Refugee Protection Division and for a panel of one member of the Refugee Appeal Division, the same precedential value as a decision of an appeal court has for a trial court.
2001, c. 27, s. 171;
2010, c. 8, s. 28.
Previous VersionImmigration DivisionCompositionThe Immigration Division consists of the Director General and other directors and members necessary to carry out its functions and who are employed in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act.PowersThe Director General and the directors of the Immigration Division have all the powers and may carry out the duties and functions of members of the Division.ProceedingsThe Immigration Division, in any proceeding before it,must, where practicable, hold a hearing;must give notice of the proceeding to the Minister and to the person who is the subject of the proceeding and hear the matter without delay;is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence; andmay receive and base a decision on evidence adduced in the proceedings that it considers credible or trustworthy in the circumstances.Immigration Appeal DivisionCourt of recordThe Immigration Appeal Division is a court of record and shall have an official seal, which shall be judicially noticed.PowersThe Immigration Appeal Division has all the powers, rights and privileges vested in a superior court of record with respect to any matter necessary for the exercise of its jurisdiction, including the swearing and examination of witnesses, the production and inspection of documents and the enforcement of its orders.ProceedingsThe Immigration Appeal Division, in any proceeding before it,must, in the case of an appeal under subsection 63(4), hold a hearing;is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence; andmay receive and base a decision on evidence adduced in the proceedings that it considers credible or trustworthy in the circumstances.Presence of permanent residentIn the case of an appeal by a permanent resident under subsection 63(4), the Immigration Appeal Division may, after considering submissions from the Minister and the permanent resident and if satisfied that the presence of the permanent resident at the hearing is necessary, order the permanent resident to physically appear at the hearing, in which case an officer shall issue a travel document for that purpose.Remedial and Disciplinary MeasuresRequestThe Chairperson may request the Minister to decide whether any member, except a member of the Immigration Division, should be subject to remedial or disciplinary measures for a reason set out in subsection (2).ReasonsThe request is to be based on the reason that the member has become incapacitated from the proper execution of that office by reason of infirmity, has been guilty of misconduct, has failed in the proper execution of that office or has been placed, by conduct or otherwise, in a position that is incompatible with due execution of that office.MeasuresOn receipt of the request, the Minister may take one or more of the following measures:obtain, in an informal and expeditious manner, any information that the Minister considers necessary;refer the matter for mediation, if the Minister is satisfied that the issues in relation to the request may be appropriately resolved by mediation;request of the Governor in Council that an inquiry be held under section 178; oradvise the Chairperson that the Minister considers that it is not necessary to take further measures under this section or sections 178 to 185.Appointment of inquirerOn receipt of a request referred to in paragraph 177(c), the Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, appoint a judge of a superior court to conduct an inquiry.PowersThe judge has all the powers, rights and privileges that are vested in a superior court, including the powerto issue a summons requiring any person to appear at the time and place mentioned in the summons to testify about all matters within that person’s knowledge relative to the inquiry and to produce any document or thing relative to the inquiry that the person has or controls; andto administer oaths and examine any person on oath.StaffThe judge may engage the services of counsel and other persons having technical or specialized knowledge to assist the judge in conducting the inquiry, establish the terms and conditions of their engagement and, with the approval of the Treasury Board, fix and pay their remuneration and expenses.Exceptions to public hearingAn inquiry must be held in public. However, the judge may, on application, take any appropriate measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the inquiry if, after having considered all available alternate measures, the judge is satisfied that there isa real and substantial risk that matters involving public security will be disclosed;a real and substantial risk to the fairness of the inquiry such that the need to prevent disclosure outweighs the societal interest that the inquiry be conducted in public; ora serious possibility that the life, liberty or security of a person will be endangered.Confidentiality of applicationIf the judge considers it appropriate, the judge may take any measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of a hearing held in respect of an application under subsection (1).Rules of evidenceIn conducting an inquiry, the judge is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence and may receive, and base a decision on, evidence presented in the proceedings that the judge considers credible or trustworthy in the circumstances of the case.IntervenorsAn interested party may, with leave of the judge, intervene in an inquiry on any terms and conditions that the judge considers appropriate.Right to be heardThe member who is the subject of the inquiry shall be given reasonable notice of the subject-matter of the inquiry and of the time and place of any hearing and shall be given an opportunity, in person or by counsel, to be heard at the hearing, to cross-examine witnesses and to present evidence.Report to MinisterAfter an inquiry has been completed, the judge must submit a report containing the judge’s findings and recommendations, if any, to the Minister.RecommendationsThe judge may, for any of the reasons set out in subsection 176(2), recommend in the report that the member be suspended without pay or removed from office or that any other disciplinary measure or any remedial measure be taken.Transmission of report to Governor in CouncilIf the Minister receives a report of an inquiry in which the judge makes a recommendation, the Minister shall send the report to the Governor in Council who may, if the Governor in Council considers it appropriate, suspend the member without pay, remove the member from office or impose any other disciplinary measure or any remedial measure.Rights not affectedNothing in sections 176 to 185 affects any right or power of the Governor in Council in relation to the removal of a member from office for cause.TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS, CONSEQUENTIAL AND RELATED AMENDMENTS, COORDINATING AMENDMENTS, REPEALS AND COMING INTO FORCETransitional ProvisionsDefinition of former ActFor the purposes of sections 188 to 201, former Act means the Immigration Act, chapter I-2 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, and, where applicable, the regulations and rules made under it.ContinuationThe Immigration and Refugee Board continued by section 57 of the former Act is hereby continued.Chairperson, Deputy Chairpersons, Assistant Deputy ChairpersonsThe Chairperson, Deputy Chairpersons and Assistant Deputy Chairpersons appointed under the former Act continue in the same capacity with the Board until the expiry or revocation of their respective appointments.Continuation — membersA member appointed under the former Act to the Convention Refugee Determination Division or the Immigration Appeal Division continues in office as a member of the Board until the expiry or revocation of their appointment.Executive DirectorThe person who, on the coming into force of this section, held the office of Executive Director of the Board is deemed to have been appointed to that office under section 158, without prejudice to any salary and benefits he or she may receive by virtue of having held that office before that coming into force.[Note: Section 188 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]PowersSections 94.6, 102.001 to 102.003 and 107.1 of the former Act are, despite paragraph 274(a), deemed not to be repealed and the Minister may exercise any of the powers described in those sections with respect to any business or fund that was approved by the Minister before the coming into force of paragraph 274(a).[Note: Paragraph 274(a) in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]Application of this ActEvery application, proceeding or matter under the former Act that is pending or in progress immediately before the coming into force of this section shall be governed by this Act on that coming into force.[Note: Section 190 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]Convention Refugee Determination DivisionEvery application, proceeding or matter before the Convention Refugee Determination Division under the former Act that is pending or in progress immediately before the coming into force of this section, in respect of which substantive evidence has been adduced but no decision has been made, shall be continued under the former Act by the Refugee Protection Division of the Board.[Note: Section 191 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]Immigration Appeal DivisionIf a notice of appeal has been filed with the Immigration Appeal Division immediately before the coming into force of this section, the appeal shall be continued under the former Act by the Immigration Appeal Division of the Board.[Note: Section 192 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]Continuation by Immigration DivisionEvery application, proceeding or matter before the Adjudication Division under the former Act that is pending or in progress immediately before the coming into force of this section, in respect of which substantive evidence has been adduced but no decision has been made, shall be continued under this Act by the Immigration Division of the Board.[Note: Section 193 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]Refugee Protection DivisionIn cases referred to in section 191, a decision by the Refugee Protection Division following a hearing that has been commenced by the Convention Refugee Determination Division is not subject to an appeal under section 110.Convention Refugee Determination DivisionA decision made by the Convention Refugee Determination Division before the coming into force of this section is not subject to an appeal under section 110.[Note: Section 195 not in force.]AppealsDespite section 192, an appeal made to the Immigration Appeal Division before the coming into force of this section shall be discontinued if the appellant has not been granted a stay under the former Act and the appeal could not have been made because of section 64 of this Act.[Note: Section 196 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]StaysDespite section 192, if an appellant who has been granted a stay under the former Act breaches a condition of the stay, the appellant shall be subject to the provisions of section 64 and subsection 68(4) of this Act.Refugee Protection DivisionThe Refugee Protection Division has jurisdiction to consider decisions of the Convention Refugee Determination Division that are set aside by the Federal Court, the Federal Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court of Canada, and shall dispose of those matters in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
2001, c. 27, s. 198;
2002, c. 8, s. 194.
Previous VersionRedeterminationSections 112 to 114 apply to a redetermination of a decision set aside by the Federal Court with respect to an application for landing as a member of the post-determination refugee claimants in Canada class within the meaning of the Immigration Regulations, 1978.ExclusionSubsection 31(1) does not apply with respect to persons who were permanent residents, within the meaning of the former Act, on the coming into force of this section.[Note: Section 200 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97.]RegulationsThe regulations may provide for measures regarding the transition between the former Act and this Act, including measures regarding classes of persons who will be subject in whole or in part to this Act or the former Act and measures regarding financial and enforcement matters.Consequential and Related AmendmentsAccess to Information Act[Amendment]Agricultural Marketing Programs Act[Amendment]Animal Pedigree Act[Amendments]Bank Act[Amendment]Budget Implementation Act, 1998[Amendment]Business Development Bank of Canada Act[Amendments]Canada Business Corporations Act[Amendment]Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Act[Amendment]Canada Elections Act[Amendments]Canada Labour Code[Amendment]Canada Shipping Act[Amendments]Canada Student Financial Assistance Act[Amendment]Canada Student Loans Act[Amendment]Canada Transportation Act[Amendments]Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act[Amendments]Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act[Amendment]Citizenship Act[Amendments]Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Implementation Act[Amendment]Cooperative Credit Associations Act[Amendment]Copyright Act[Amendments]Corrections and Conditional Release Act[Amendments]Criminal Code[Amendment][Repealed, 2004, c. 15, s. 110][Amendments]Emergencies Act[Amendments]Extradition Act[Amendments]Foreign Publishers Advertising Services Act[Amendments]Income Tax Act[Amendment]Insurance Companies Act[Amendment]International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development Act[Amendments]Investment Canada Act[Amendment]Labour Adjustment Benefits Act[Amendment]Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act[Amendments]National Energy Board Act[Amendment]Old Age Security Act[Amendments]Pilotage Act[Amendment]Privacy Act[Amendment]Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) Act[Amendment]Trade-marks Act[Amendment]Trust and Loan Companies Act[Amendment]TerminologyTerminologyUnless the context requires otherwise, “Immigration Act” is replaced by “Immigration and Refugee Protection Act” inany regulation, as defined in section 2 of the Statutory Instruments Act; andany other instrument madein the execution of a power conferred by or under an Act of Parliament, orby or under the authority of the Governor in Council.Coordinating Amendments[Amendments]Repeals[Repeals]Coming Into ForceComing into forceSections 73, 110, 111, 171, 194 and 195 come into force two years after the day on which the Balanced Refugee Reform Act receives royal assent or on any earlier day that may be fixed by order of the Governor in Council.[Note: Sections 1 and 4 in force December 6, 2001, see SI/2001-119; sections 2, 3, 5 to 72, 74 to 109, 112 to 170, 172 to 193, 196 to 244 and 246 to 274 in force June 28, 2002, see SI/2002-97; sections 73, 110, 111, 171, 194 and 195 in force June 29, 2012 at the latest.]
2001, c. 27, s. 275;
2010, c. 8, s. 31.
Previous Version(Subsection 2(1))SECTIONS E AND F OF ARTICLE 1 OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION RELATING TO THE STATUS OF REFUGEESE. This Convention shall not apply to a person who is recognized by the competent authorities of the country in which he has taken residence as having the rights and obligations which are attached to the possession of the nationality of that country.F. The provisions of this Convention shall not apply to any person with respect to whom there are serious reasons for considering that:he has committed a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity, as defined in the international instruments drawn up to make provision in respect of such crimes;he has committed a serious non-political crime outside the country of refuge prior to his admission to that country as a refugee;he has been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.ARTICLE 1 OF THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN AND DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENTFor the purposes of this Convention, torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.This article is without prejudice to any international instrument or national legislation which does or may contain provisions of wider application.RELATED PROVISIONS
— 2008, c. 3, s. 6Definition of the ActIn sections 7 to 10, the Act means the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
— 2008, c. 3, s. 7Proceedings relating to reasonableness of certificatesA proceeding relating to the reasonableness of a certificate referred to the Federal Court under subsection 77(1) of the Act is terminated on the coming into force of this Act.Existing removal ordersA removal order made against a person who is named in a certificate referred to the Federal Court under the Act, or under the Immigration Act, chapter I-2 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, before this Act comes into force and who is in Canada when this Act comes into force ceases to have effect on that coming into force.New certificatesIf, on the day on which this Act comes into force, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration sign a new certificate and refer it to the Federal Court under subsection 77(1) of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act, the person who is named in the certificateshall, if they were detained under Division 9 of Part 1 of the Act when this Act comes into force, remain in detention without a new warrant for their arrest and detention having to be issued under section 81 of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act; orshall, if they were released from detention under conditions under Division 9 of Part 1 of the Act when this Act comes into force, remain released under the same conditions unless a warrant for their arrest and detention is issued under section 81 of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act.Application for review of detention or conditionsA person referred to in subsection (3) may apply to the Federal Court for a review of the reasons for their continued detention or of the reasons for continuing the conditions, as the case may be, within 60 days after the day on which this Act comes into force.Review of detentionIf a person who is detained and who is entitled to make an application under subsection (4) does not do so, a judge shall commence a review of the reasons for the person’s continued detention at least once in the six-month period following the day on which this Act comes into force.Review of conditionsIf a person who is released from detention under conditions and who is entitled to make an application under subsection (4) does not do so, they may apply to the Federal Court for a review of the reasons for continuing the conditions if a period of six months has expired since the day on which this Act comes into force.Calculation of period for next reviewFor the purpose of calculating the six-month period referred to in subsection 82(2), (3) or (4) of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act, the conclusion of the preceding review is deemed to have taken place on the day on which a judge makes a decision under this section.
— 2008, c. 3, s. 8Proceedings relating to section 112 or 115Any proceeding that involves a person who is named in a certificate and that relates to section 112 or 115 of the Act is terminated on the coming into force of this Act.Persons subject to stay of removalA person who is named in a certificate referred to the Federal Court under subsection 77(1) of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act, is not required to apply for protection under section 112 of the Act after the day on which this Act comes into force if a removal order made against them was stayed under subsection 114(1) of the Act when this Act comes into force unless the stay is cancelled under subsection 114(2) of the Act.
— 2008, c. 3, s. 9Existing removal orders — section 86A removal order made against a person in a proceeding in which an application was made for the non-disclosure of information under section 86 of the Act, as it read immediately before the coming into force of this Act, ceases to have effect when this Act comes into force if the person is in Canada on that coming into force.New reports on inadmissibilityIf the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness refers a report to the Immigration Division under subsection 44(2) of the Act on the day on which this Act comes into force, then the person who is named in the reportshall, if they were detained under Division 9 of Part 1 of the Act when this Act comes into force, remain in detention without a new warrant for their arrest and detention having to be issued under Division 6 of Part 1 of the Act; orshall, if they were released from detention under conditions under Division 9 of Part 1 of the Act when this Act comes into force, remain released under the same conditions unless a warrant for their arrest and detention is issued under Division 6 of Part 1 of the Act.Calculation of period for next reviewIf the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness refers a report to the Immigration Division under subsection 44(2) of the Act on the day on which this Act comes into force, then, for the purpose of calculating the 30-day period referred to in subsection 57(2) of the Act, the previous review is deemed to have taken place on that day.Proceedings under section 86On the coming into force of this Act, section 86 of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act, applies to a proceeding that is pending or in progress immediately before that coming into force and in which an application was made for the non-disclosure of information under section 86 of the Act, as it read immediately before that coming into force.
— 2008, c. 3, s. 10Proceedings under section 87On the coming into force of this Act, sections 87 and 87.1 of the Act, as enacted by section 4 of this Act, apply to a proceeding that is pending or in progress immediately before that coming into force and in which an application was made for the non-disclosure of information under section 87 of the Act, as it read immediately before that coming into force.
— 2008, c. 28, s. 120ApplicationSection 87.3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act applies only to applications and requests made on or after February 27, 2008.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 32Humanitarian and compassionate considerationsEvery request that is made under section 25 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as that Act read immediately before the day on which this Act receives royal assent, is to be determined in accordance with that Act as it read immediately before that day.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 39Non-applicationParagraph 25(1.2)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by subsection 4(1), does not apply to a refugee claimant whose claim is pending before the Refugee Protection Division on the day on which section 36 comes into force.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 40Non-applicationParagraph 25(1.2)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by subsection 4(1), does not apply to a refugee claimant whose claim is rejected or determined to be withdrawn or abandoned by the Refugee Protection Division before the day on which section 36 comes into force.
— 2011, c. 8, s. 5Persons authorized to represent, advise or consultDespite subsection 91(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by section 1 of this Act, a person — other than a member in good standing of a bar of a province or of the Chambre des notaires du Québec — who, immediately before the coming into force of this section, was authorized under regulations made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to, for a fee, represent, advise or consult with a person who was the subject of a proceeding or application before the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, an officer designated under subsection 6(1) of that Act or the Immigration and Refugee Board, may represent or advise a person for consideration — or offer to do so — in connection with a proceeding — other than a proceeding before a superior court — or application under that Act until regulations made under subsection 91(5) of that Act, as enacted by section 1 of this Act, come into force.
— 2012, c. 1, par. 165(d)Pardons in effect — references in other legislationA reference to a record suspension in the following provisions, as enacted by this Part, is deemed also to be a reference to a pardon that is granted or issued under the Criminal Records Act:paragraphs 36(3)(b) and 53(f) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;AMENDMENTS NOT IN FORCE
— 2010, c. 8, s. 2Paragraph 16(2)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is replaced by the following:subject to the regulations, the foreign national must submit to a medical examination.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 72008, c. 3, s. 3Paragraph 36(3)(e) of the Act is replaced by the following:inadmissibility under subsections (1) and (2) may not be based on an offencedesignated as a contravention under the Contraventions Act,for which the permanent resident or foreign national is found guilty under the Young Offenders Act, chapter Y-1 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, orfor which the permanent resident or foreign national received a youth sentence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 8Section 91 of the Act is replaced by the following:RegulationsThe regulations may govern who may or may not represent, advise or consult with a person who is the subject of a proceeding or application before the Minister, an officer or any Division of the Board, including an interview before an official referred to in subsection 100(4.1).
— 2010, c. 8, s. 10Paragraphs 95(1)(a) and (b) of the French version of the Act are replaced by the following:sur constat qu’elle est, à la suite d’une demande de visa, un réfugié au sens de la Convention ou une personne en situation semblable, elle devient soit un résident permanent au titre du visa, soit un résident temporaire au titre d’un permis de séjour délivré en vue de sa protection;la Commission lui reconnaît la qualité de réfugié au sens de la Convention ou celle de personne à protéger;
— 2010, c. 8, s. 11Section 100 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (1):Burden of proofThe burden of proving that a claim is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division rests on the claimant, who must answer truthfully all questions put to them.Subsection 100(4) of the Act is replaced by the following:Duty of claimantA person whose claim is referred to the Refugee Protection Division must attend an interview with an official of the Board on a date fixed by the referring officer in accordance with the rules of the Board and must at the interview produce all documents and information required by those rules. The date fixed for the interview must not be earlier than 15 days after the day on which the claim is referred, unless the claimant consents to an earlier date.Hearing — Refugee Protection DivisionThe official of the Board who conducts the interview must, in accordance with the regulations and any directions of the Chairperson of the Board, fix the date on which the claimant is to attend a hearing before the Refugee Protection Division.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 11.1The Act is amended by adding the following after section 107:Manifestly unfoundedIf the Refugee Protection Division rejects a claim for refugee protection, it may state in its reasons for the decision that the claim is manifestly unfounded if it is of the opinion that the claim is clearly fraudulent.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 12The Act is amended by adding the following after section 109:Designated Countries of OriginDesignation of countries of originThe Minister may, by order, for the purposes of section 111.1, designate a country or part of a country or a class of nationals of a country.LimitationThe Minister may make a designation only ifthe number of claims for refugee protection made in Canada by nationals of the country in question is equal to or greater than the number set out in the regulations; andthe rate of acceptance by the Refugee Protection Division of claims made by nationals of the country in question is equal to or lower than the rate set out in the regulations.Criteria to be consideredIn making a designation, the Minister must take the following criteria into account:the human rights record of the country in question as it relates tothe factors set out in sections 96 and 97, andthe international human rights instruments specified in the regulations and any other international instrument that the Minister considers relevant;the availability in the country in question of mechanisms for seeking protection and redress;the number of claims for refugee protection made in Canada by nationals of the country in question;the rate of acceptance by the Refugee Protection Division of claims made by nationals of the country in question and the rate of appeals allowed by the Refugee Appeal Division in respect of appeals made by nationals of the country in question; andany other criteria set out in the regulations.Statutory Instruments ActAn order referred to in subsection (1) is not a statutory instrument for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act. However, it must be published in the Canada Gazette.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 14.1The Act is amended by adding the following after section 111:RegulationsRegulationsThe regulations may provide for any matter relating to the application of this Division, and may include provisionsrelating to the criteria referred to in subsection 109.1(1.2) and the process to be followed with respect to a designation made under subsection 109.1(1);establishing criteria for the purposes of paragraph 109.1(1.2)(e); andrespecting the time limitsfor the hearing referred to in subsection 100(4.1),for the filing and perfecting of an appeal under subsection 110(2.1), andfor the making of a decision by the Refugee Appeal Division, the extension of those time limits and the circumstances under which they do not apply.Clarification — regulations made under subparagraph (1)(c)(i)Regulations made under subparagraph (1)(c)(i) may provide for time limits for any of the following claimants that are different from the time limits for other claimants:claimants who are nationals of a country that is, on the date of their interview referred to in subsection 100(4), a country designated under subsection 109.1(1);claimants who are nationals of a country of which a part is, on the date of their interview referred to in subsection 100(4), a part designated under subsection 109.1(1); orclaimants who belong to a class of nationals of a country that is, on the date of their interview referred to in subsection 100(4), a class designated under subsection 109.1(1).Clarification — regulations made under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii)Regulations made under subparagraph (1)(c)(ii) may provide for time limits for the filing and perfecting of appeals by any of the following claimants that are different from the time limits for other claimants:claimants whose claims are found by the Refugee Protection Division to be manifestly unfounded under section 107.1;claimants who are nationals of any country that is, on the day on which the decision being appealed is made, a country designated under subsection 109.1(1);claimants who are nationals of a country of which a part is, on the day on which the decision being appealed is made, a part designated under that subsection and who lived in that designated part before they left the country; orclaimants who belong to a class of nationals of a country that is, on the day on which the decision being appealed is made, a class designated under that subsection.Clarification — regulations made under subparagraph (1)(c)(iii)Regulations made under subparagraph (1)(c)(iii) may provide for time limits for making decisions in respect of appeals by claimants referred to in paragraphs (3)(a) to (d) that are different from the time limits for other claimants.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 15Subsection 112(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:Application for protectionSubject to subsection (1.1), a person in Canada, other than a person referred to in subsection 115(1), may, in accordance with the regulations and the rules of the Board, apply to the Refugee Protection Division for protection if they are subject to a removal order that is in force.Application to MinisterIn the case of a person described in subsection (3), the application for protection must be made to the Minister in accordance with the regulations.Suspension of applicationProceedings of the Refugee Protection Division in respect of an application are suspended on notice by an officer thata report has been referred to the Immigration Division for a determination of whether the applicant is inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality — as referred to in paragraph (3)(b) — or organized criminality; orthe applicant is the subject of an authority to proceed issued under section 15 of the Extradition Act.Transfer — inadmissibilityOn notice by an officer that the Immigration Division has made a determination that the applicant is inadmissible on the grounds referred to in paragraph (1.2)(a), consideration of the application is transferred to the Minister.ContinuationOn notice by an officer that the Immigration Division has made a determination that the applicant is not inadmissible on the grounds referred to in paragraph (1.2)(a), consideration of the application is continued by the Refugee Protection Division.Termination after surrender under Extradition ActIf the applicant is ordered surrendered by the Minister of Justice under the Extradition Act, consideration of the application is terminated.ContinuationIf the applicant is finally discharged under the Extradition Act, consideration of the application is continued by the Refugee Protection Division.Transfer: Refugee ConventionIf the Refugee Protection Division makes a determination that the applicant is referred to in section F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention, consideration of the application is transferred to the Minister.The portion of subsection 112(2) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:ExceptionDespite subsections (1) and (1.1), a person may not apply for protection ifSubsection 112(2) of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (b):subject to subsection (2.1), less than 12 months have passed since their claim for refugee protection was last rejected — unless it was rejected on the basis of section E or F of Article 1 of the Refugee Convention — or determined to be withdrawn or abandoned by the Refugee Protection Division or the Refugee Appeal Division;Section 112 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (2):ExemptionThe Minister may exempt from the application of paragraph (2)(b.1)the nationals — or, in the case of persons who do not have a country of nationality, the former habitual residents — of a country;the nationals or former habitual residents of a country who, before they left the country, lived in a given part of that country; anda class of nationals or former habitual residents of a country.ApplicationHowever, an exemption made under subsection (2.1) does not apply to persons in respect of whom, after the day on which the exemption comes into force, a decision is made respecting their claim for refugee protection by the Refugee Protection Division or, if an appeal is made, by the Refugee Appeal Division.RegulationsThe regulations may govern any matter relating to the application of subsection (2.1) or (2.2) and may include provisions establishing the criteria to be considered when an exemption is made.Subsection 112(3) of the Act is amended by striking out “or” at the end of paragraph (c) and by adding the following after paragraph (c):made an application for protection and the consideration of that application was transferred to the Minister under subsection (1.7); or
— 2010, c. 8, s. 16Paragraphs 113(a) and (b) of the Act are replaced by the following:an applicant whose claim for refugee protection or whose most recent application for protection, as the case may be, has been rejected may present only evidence that arose after the rejection or was not reasonably available, or that the applicant could not reasonably have been expected in the circumstances to have presented, at the time of the rejection;in the case of an applicant described in subsection 112(3), a hearing may be held if the Minister, on the basis of prescribed factors, is of the opinion that a hearing is required;subject to paragraphs (a) and (b.3), in the case of an applicant not described in subsection 112(3), the Refugee Protection Division must proceed without a hearing and may accept documentary evidence and written submissions from the Minister and the applicant;in the case of an applicant not described in subsection 112(3), paragraph (a) does not apply in respect of evidence that is presented in response to evidence presented by the Minister;in the case of an applicant not described in subsection 112(3), the Refugee Protection Division may hold a hearing if, in its opinion, there is documentary evidence referred to in paragraph (b.1)that raises a serious issue with respect to the credibility of the applicant,that is central to the decision with respect to the application, andthat, if accepted, would justify allowing the application;
— 2010, c. 8, s. 16.1The Act is amended by adding the following after section 114:LimitationSubsections 114(3) and (4) apply in respect of a decision to allow an application for protection only if the application was made to the Minister under subsection 112(1.1) or transferred to the Minister under subsection 112(1.3) or (1.7).Application of section 109Section 109 applies to a decision made by the Refugee Protection Division to allow an application for protection as if it were a decision to allow a claim for refugee protection.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 17The Act is amended by adding the following after section 152:Oath or affirmation of officeThe Chairperson and other members of the Board must swear the oath or give the solemn affirmation of office set out in the rules of the Board.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 18The portion of subsection 153(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:Chairperson and other membersThe Chairperson and members of the Refugee Appeal Division and Immigration Appeal DivisionParagraph 153(1)(b) of the Act is repealed.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 19Paragraphs 159(1)(b) to (d) of the Act are replaced by the following:may at any time assign a member appointed under paragraph 153(1)(a) to the Refugee Appeal Division or the Immigration Appeal Division;may at any time, despite paragraph 153(1)(a), assign a member of the Refugee Appeal Division or the Immigration Appeal Division to work in another regional or district office to satisfy operational requirements, but an assignment may not exceed 120 days without the approval of the Governor in Council;may designate, from among the full-time members appointed under paragraph 153(1)(a), coordinating members for the Refugee Appeal Division or the Immigration Appeal Division;Paragraph 159(1)(h) of the Act is replaced by the following:may issue guidelines in writing to members of the Board and identify decisions of the Board as jurisprudential guides, after consulting with the Deputy Chairpersons, to assist members in carrying out their duties; andSubsection 159(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:DelegationThe Chairperson may delegate any of his or her powers under this Act to a member of the Board, except thatpowers referred to in subsection 161(1) may not be delegated;powers referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (i) may be delegated to the Executive Director of the Board;powers in relation to the Immigration Appeal Division and the Refugee Appeal Division may only be delegated to the Deputy Chairperson, the Assistant Deputy Chairpersons, or other members, including coordinating members, of either of those Divisions; andpowers in relation to the Immigration Division or the Refugee Protection Division may only be delegated to the Deputy Chairperson, the Assistant Deputy Chairpersons or other members, including coordinating members, of that Division.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 20The portion of subsection 161(1) of the Act before paragraph (b) is replaced by the following:RulesSubject to the approval of the Governor in Council, and in consultation with the Deputy Chairpersons, the Chairperson may make rules respectingthe referral of a claim for refugee protection to the Refugee Protection Division and the conduct of the interview referred to in subsection 100(4);the factors to be taken into account in fixing or changing the date of an interview referred to in subsection 100(4);the activities, practice and procedure of each of the Divisions of the Board, including the periods for appeal, other than in respect of appeals of decisions of the Refugee Protection Division, the priority to be given to proceedings, the notice that is required and the period in which notice must be given;
— 2010, c. 8, s. 21Section 163 of the Act is replaced by the following:Composition of panelsMatters before a Division must be conducted before a single member unless, with respect to a matter before the Refugee Appeal Division or the Immigration Appeal Division, the Chairperson is of the opinion that a panel of three members should be constituted.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 22Section 165 of the Act is replaced by the following:Powers of a commissionerThe Refugee Protection Division, the Refugee Appeal Division and the Immigration Division and each member of those Divisions have the powers and authority of a commissioner appointed under Part I of the Inquiries Act and may do any other thing they consider necessary to provide a full and proper hearing.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 23Subsection 167(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:Right to counselA person who is the subject of proceedings before any Division of the Board, including the interview referred to in subsection 100(4), and the Minister may, at their own expense, be represented by legal or other counsel.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 24Subsection 168(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:Abandonment of proceedingA Division may determine that a proceeding before it has been abandoned if the Division is of the opinion that the applicant is in default in the proceedings, including by failing to attend the interview referred to in subsection 100(4), to appear for a hearing, to provide information required by the Division or to communicate with the Division on being requested to do so.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 25Paragraph 169(c) of the Act is replaced by the following:the decision may be rendered orally or in writing, except for a decision of the Refugee Protection Division in respect of an application for protection under subsection 112(1), which must be rendered in writing;Section 169 of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph (e) and by adding the following after paragraph (e):notice of a decision of the Refugee Protection Division in respect of an application for protection, as well as written reasons for the decision, must, in accordance with the regulations, be provided to the Minister, who must then provide the notice and reasons to the applicant in accordance with the regulations; andSection 169 of the Act is renumbered as subsection 169(1) and is amended by adding the following:RegulationsThe regulations may govern the time within which and the manner in which notice of a decision of the Refugee Protection Division in respect of an application for protection, as well as written reasons for the decision, must be provided.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 26The Act is amended by adding the following before section 170:CompositionThe Refugee Protection Division consists of the Deputy Chairperson, Assistant Deputy Chairpersons and other members, including coordinating members, necessary to carry out its functions.Public Service Employment ActThe members of the Refugee Protection Division are appointed in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 27The portion of section 170 of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:ProceedingsExcept in respect of an application for protection made under subsection 112(1), the Refugee Protection Division, in any proceeding before it,Section 170 of the Act is amended by adding the following after paragraph (d):may question the witnesses, including the person who is the subject of the proceeding;
— 2010, c. 8, s. 27.1The Act is amended by adding the following after section 170:Application for protectionIn respect of an application for protection under subsection 112(1), the Refugee Protection Divisionmay inquire into any matter that it considers relevant to establishing whether an application is well-founded;must provide the Minister, on request, with the documentary evidence and written submissions of the applicant that are referred to in paragraph 113(b.1);must give notice of any hearing to the Minister and the applicant;subject to paragraph 113(a), must — if a hearing is held — give the applicant and the Minister the opportunity to present evidence, question witnesses and make submissions;may question the witnesses, including the applicant;is not bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence;may receive and base a decision on evidence that is adduced in the proceedings and considered credible or trustworthy in the circumstances; andmay take notice of any facts that may be judicially noticed and of any other generally recognized facts and any information or opinion that is within its specialized knowledge.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 29Section 172 of the Act is replaced by the following:CompositionThe Immigration Division consists of the Deputy Chairperson, Assistant Deputy Chairpersons and other members necessary to carry out its functions.Public Service Employment ActThe members of the Immigration Division are appointed in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 30Subsection 176(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:RequestThe Chairperson may request the Minister to decide whether any member of the Immigration Appeal Division or the Refugee Appeal Division should be subject to remedial or disciplinary measures for a reason set out in subsection (2).
— 2010, c. 8, s. 33Refugee protection claim — Personal Information Form not yet submittedThe Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as amended by this Act, applies to every claim for refugee protection made before the day on which this section comes into force if, before that day, the claimant has not submitted a Personal Information Form, as defined in section 1 of the Refugee Protection Division Rules, as they read immediately before that day, and the time limit for submitting that Form has not expired.Day of interviewThe day of the interview that the claimant referred to in subsection (1) must attend under subsection 100(4) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by subsection 11(2), is to be fixed by an official of the Immigration and Refugee Board.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 34Refugee protection claim — Personal Information Form submittedThe Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as amended by this Act, except subsections 100(4) and (4.1), applies to every claim for refugee protection made before the day on which this section comes into force if, before that day,the claimant has submitted a Personal Information Form, as defined in section 1 of the Refugee Protection Division Rules, as they read immediately before that day; andthere has been no hearing before the Refugee Protection Division in respect of the claim or, if there has been a hearing, no substantive evidence has been heard.InterviewThe claimant referred to in subsection (1) must attend an interview with an official of the Immigration and Refugee Board, if required to do so, on the date fixed by the official in accordance with the Refugee Protection Division Rules and must produce any supplementary documents and information that the official considers necessary.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 35Substantive evidence heardEvery claim for refugee protection in respect of which substantive evidence has been heard before the day on which subsection 18(1) comes into force by a single member or a panel of three members of the Refugee Protection Division appointed under paragraph 153(1)(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as it read immediately before that day, must continue to be heard by that single member or panel in accordance with that Act, as it read immediately before that day.Single member unable to continueIf the single member is unable to continue to hear the claim, the claim must be referred to a member of the Refugee Protection Division referred to in section 169.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by section 26, and that member must commence a new hearing in accordance with that Act, as amended by this Act.Member of panel unable to continueIf a member of the panel referred to in subsection (1) is unable to continue to hear the claim, the claim must continue to be heard by one of the two remaining members in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as it read immediately before the day on which subsection 18(1) comes into force.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 36No appeal to Refugee Appeal DivisionA decision made by the Refugee Protection Division before the day on which this section comes into force is not subject to appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division.No waiting periodThe person in respect of whom the decision was made is not required to wait for the expiry of the 12-month period referred to in paragraph 112(2)(b.1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by subsection 15(3), before making an application under subsection 112(1) or (1.1) of that Act.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 37Decision set aside in judicial reviewIf a decision referred to in subsection 36(1) is set aside in a judicial review, the claim for refugee protection must be referred to a member of the Refugee Protection Division referred to in section 169.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by section 26.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 37.1Application for protectionAn application for protection that is made before the day on which subsection 15(1) comes into force is to be considered in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as that Act read immediately before that day.
— 2010, c. 8, s. 38Application for protectionFor greater certainty, paragraph 112(2)(b.1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, as enacted by subsection 15(3), does not apply if, before the day on which this section comes into force, an application for protection is made under subsection 112(1) of that Act.
— 2012, c. 1, s. 205Paragraph 3(1)(h) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is replaced by the following:to protect public health and safety and to maintain the security of Canadian society;
— 2012, c. 1, s. 206Section 30 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (1):AuthorizationAn officer may, on application, authorize a foreign national to work or study in Canada if the foreign national meets the conditions set out in the regulations.InstructionsDespite subsection (1.1), the officer shall refuse to authorize the foreign national to work in Canada if, in the officer’s opinion, public policy considerations that are specified in the instructions given by the Minister justify such a refusal.Concurrence of second officerIn applying subsection (1.2), any refusal to give authorization to work in Canada requires the concurrence of a second officer.PurposeThe instructions shall prescribe public policy considerations that aim to protect foreign nationals who are at risk of being subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, including sexual exploitation.PublicationThe instructions shall be published in the Canada Gazette.ApplicationThe instructions take effect on the day on which they are published, or on any later day specified in the instructions, and apply in respect of all applications for authorization to work in Canada, including those that were filed before that day and for which a final decision has not been made.RevocationThe instructions cease to have effect on the day on which a notice of revocation is published in the Canada Gazette.
— 2012, c. 1, s. 207Subsection 94(2) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph (e) and by adding the following after that paragraph:any instructions given under subsection 30(1.2) during the year in question and the date of their publication; and