Premier David Eby has strongly criticized a Senate committee, alleging that the senators have significantly weakened important reforms to Canada’s immigration legislation. Eby had anticipated that changes proposed in Bill C-12 would prevent individuals involved in extortion from exploiting the refugee status system to delay deportation.
The Senate committee on social affairs has come under fire from Eby for suggesting the removal of provisions crucial for safeguarding residents South of the Fraser from the ongoing challenges to the integrity of the immigration system. Eby expressed his dismay, questioning the level of thought and seriousness within the Senate chamber.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, out of 281 individuals under investigation for extortion-related activities, 104 have submitted refugee claims. The status of these cases, including how many have been processed and their outcomes, remains unclear. As of January 30, 10 individuals have been deported.
A key focus for Eby is a new provision within the bill that would prohibit individuals who have resided in Canada for over a year from applying for refugee status. This measure aims to prevent scenarios where individuals like international students, present in Canada for an extended period, make refugee claims. Immigration Minister Lena Diab informed the committee that approximately 37% of asylum claims filed between June 3 and October 31, 2025, would be affected by this disqualification criteria, potentially impacting around 19,000 out of 50,000 applications.
Additionally, the bill seeks to expedite decisions regarding the inadmissibility and deportation of individuals associated with organized crime networks. The B.C. Ministry of Public Safety highlighted cases where individuals involved in extortion-related crimes possessed expired visas, pending refugee claims, or non-compliant student visas while engaging in or linked to violent offenses.
In response to these concerns, B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger has urged swift action on the legislation, emphasizing the necessity of passing Bill C-12 to impede foreign criminals from seeking refuge in Canada, enhance efforts against organized crime, and bolster public safety.
Although the proposed reforms have garnered support from government officials, rights groups such as the Canadian Council for Refugees and Amnesty International Canada have raised objections. They argue that certain aspects of the bill could undermine the country’s refugee protection system. Gauri Sreenivasan from the Canadian Council for Refugees emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making supported by experts in civil liberties and refugee matters.
Former NDP MLA and MP Jinny Sims, now associated with Surrey radio station Swift 1200 AM, which was targeted in a shooting incident, emphasized the urgency of passing the bill to prevent further delays in justice for extortion victims. Sims stressed the limited options available to the government in curbing refugee claims until the bill is enacted.