Bill C-12: Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act
Written by Alex-Sophia Kulikova
Canada’s immigration and border systems are undergoing another major shift with the proposal of Bill C-12, officially titled the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. The bill is part of the federal government’s broader effort to modernize border security, address asylum backlogs, and respond to growing concerns around irregular migration and organized crime. While immigration reform is often framed as a humanitarian issue, Bill C-12 shows how closely immigration policy is tied to national security, economic stability, and border control.
One of the bill’s key goals is to strengthen the enforcement at Canada’s borders. Bill C-12 would expand the authority of the Canada Border Services Agency to inspect goods intended for export, including those stored in warehouses. This is meant to close loopholes that allow illicit goods (such as drugs i.e. fentanyl or prohibited materials) to move across borders with limited oversight. The bill also expands the role of the Canadian Coast Guard, allowing it to conduct security patrols and collect intelligence related to national security. In addition, federal departments such as IRCC and the RCMP would be able to share information more efficiently, improving coordination while operating within privacy and legal safeguards.
Bill C-12 proposes several changes aimed at speeding up asylum processing. Only complete and verified claims would be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board, reducing delays caused by incomplete applications. Claims would also be removed if they are abandoned, helping to reduce the overall backlog. At the same time, the bill includes protections for vulnerable claimants, such as minors, ensuring that efficiency does not come at the expense of fairness. However, the legislation introduces new ineligibility rules for certain asylum claims. Individuals who apply more than one year after arriving in Canada, or more than 14 days after entering from the United States at an unofficial crossing, would not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board. Nevertheless, these individuals would still have access to a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, which evaluates whether returning them to their home country would put them at risk of serious harm. This reflects Canada’s continued obligation under the international refugee act.
Another significant feature of Bill C-12 is the expanded authority to cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents in exceptional situations, such as large-scale fraud or national security threats. These decisions would require approval at the cabinet level and must be made public, adding a layer of transparency. Importantly, the bill does not allow the government to strip someone of their immigration status outright.
Bill C-12 highlights a growing trend in immigration policy: the shift toward securitization and system efficiency. Supporters argue these changes are necessary to protect Canada’s borders and maintain public confidence in the immigration system. Critics, however, warn that stricter eligibility rules and broader enforcement powers could limit access to asylum and due process. As Bill C-12 moves through Parliament, it will play a key role in shaping how Canada balances border security, immigration control, and humanitarian responsibility in the years ahead.
References:
Canada, Service. “Understanding Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, Bill C- 12 - Canada.ca.” Canada.ca, 2020, www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/securingborder/strengthen- border-security/understanding-stregthening-canada-immigration-system-borders-act.html.
