CIMM – Opening Statement – October 30, 2025
Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, ECNS, KC, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
C-12—Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act
October 30, 2025
496 words (~5 minutes)
Thank you, Chair.
Canada’s immigration and asylum systems reflect our values—they are fair, compassionate, and grounded in the rule of law.
However, the world is changing. Conflict, climate pressures and shifting migration patterns are driving unprecedented movement of people—and countries everywhere are adapting.
Canada must do the same—acting responsibly to uphold trust, maintain order, and keep our system fair, efficient, and sustainable.
Bill C-12 is part of that work. It brings together targeted reforms that strengthen how we protect people in need, manage migration responsibly, and maintain Canadians’ trust in a system that works for everyone.
Controlled—Protecting integrity and public confidence
That trust depends on a system that is fair and firm. One that protects the vulnerable, attracts needed talent, and prevents misuse.
Let me be crystal clear to everyone, everywhere: asylum is not a shortcut to immigration.
Bill C-12 reinforces that with two new targeted ineligibility rules.
First, asylum claims made more than one year after initial arrival in Canada—after June 24, 2020—will no longer be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Second, claims by those crossing irregularly from the United States and waiting more than 14 days to apply will also be ineligible.
Those found ineligible can still access a pre-removal risk assessment, ensuring that no one is sent back to danger.
These measures will strengthen integrity and fairness, and maintain public confidence that Canada’s rules are applied consistently and transparently.
Sustainable—Building a modern, efficient system
As Canada’s asylum system faces growing demand, Bill C-12 updates and streamlines how claims are processed so decisions are faster, fairer, and final.
A single online application will make the process more consistent, reduce errors, and improve coordination.
Increasing the number of hearing-ready files referred to the IRB will help reduce delays and keep cases moving efficiently. The Board would also gain authority to remove abandoned claims, keeping resources focused on active cases.
Separately, and to stay prepared for future crises, the Bill provides authority to manage immigration documents at scale, when required in the public interest. It allows temporary pauses, cancellations, or adjustments of visas and permits, protecting Canadians while maintaining flexibility.
These updates make the system more adaptable, sustainable, and forward-looking.
Essential—Strengthening cooperation and accountability
Efficiency and control must go hand in hand with accountability and trust.
Bill C-12 modernizes how information is shared within government and with provinces and territories—securely, transparently, and with strong privacy safeguards.
Written agreements will clearly define what can be shared, how it can be used, and the strict limits on any disclosure to foreign entities.
By strengthening cooperation across governments and protecting privacy, these reforms support faster decisions, stronger integrity, and better service for both newcomers and Canadians.
Conclusion
Bill C-12 is not about closing doors—it’s about taking responsible steps to keep them open.
It balances compassion with control, speed with fairness, and modernization with accountability.
It gives Canada the tools to manage migration with humanity and order—protecting those who need refuge and maintaining a system Canadians can trust.
Thank you. I'm ready for your questions.