Important changes to Canada’s refugee determination system came into effect on 15 December 2012.
The Canadian Council for Refugees opposed many of the changes, which created a two-tier system of refugee protection in Canada. An overview of the CCR's concerns is available here. The CCR's submissions to the IRB Review mandated by the Minister in 2017 contain recommendations for improving the system.
Practical information regarding the refugee determination system
The Law:
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Bill C-31
- Final version of Regulations on processing timelines
- Final version of Regulations on stays of removals
- Final version of Regulations on designated foreign nationals
- Compilation of changes in Bill C-31 as amended by committee (prepared by Peter Edelmann)
For CCR members (you must be logged in):
Resources from December 12 webinar (including recording)
Resources from March 19 webinar - updates and RAD (including recording)
IRB powerpoint presentation at CCR Consultation, 28 November
CIC/CBSA powerpoint presentation at CCR Consultation, 28 November
For information about changes to H&C applications (already in effect), see webinar resources
Other resources:
CCR, Concerns about upcoming changes to the refugee determination system, December 2012
CLEO, Refugee Rights in Ontario: Information for front-line workers
One-page information sheet explaining risk for refugees of losing permanent residence through cessation, Downtown Legal Services - in English, French and Spanish
CBA Refugee Lawyers Conference Papers
Legal Aid Ontario consultation on services under refugee reform
Refugee Access to Justice Campaign (calling for legal aid for refugees in Ontario)
BC Legal Services Society, Refugee Claim Flow Chart
Also of interest
The Experience of Refugee Claimants at Refugee Hearings at the Immigration and Refugee Board, CCR
Mental Health Systems in Refugee-Producing Countries, Settlement Orientation Services
If you know of other relevant resources that could be linked here, please send an email to jdench@ccrweb.ca
CCR comments on Bill C-31 while before Parliament
Media release, Canada Rolls Back Refugee Protection: Bill C-31 receives Royal Assent, 29 June 2012
Comments on amendments to Bill C-31, 16 May 2012
Bill C-31 - Diminishing Refugee Protection: Submission to Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, 25 April 2012
Protecting Refugees from Bill C-31: Joint statement (Does your organization endorse this statement?)
Myths and Facts on Bill C-31, 21 March 2012
Media release, New bill further undermines refugees, 16 February 2012
Earlier relevant CCR resources
Video: Understanding Bill C-31 and Children in Detention
Myths and Facts 2011, February 2011
What’s in a number? The Hungarian claims, blog entry, 24 April 2010
Lives in the Balance, booklet, May 2009
RESOURCES from other organizations:
Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, New Legislation Targets Canadian Permanent Residents, 17 February 2012
Other useful resources:
Letter on C-4 from Australian NGOs (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Refugee Council of Australia, International Detention Coalition, Human Rights Law Centre, Brigidine’s Asylum Seeker Project, Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre)
Rachel Kronick et al, Mandatory detention of refugee children in Canada: A public health issue?, Paediatrics and Child Health, October 2011
Centre for Refugee Studies, Video stream of panel discussing Bill C-49, 12 November 2010