May 12, 2015
Toronto, Ontario
Public Safety Canada
Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, introduced legislation that will streamline the removal of foreign nationals who commit serious crimes in Canada, allow for the mandatory transfer of foreign criminals back to their country of origin, and render foreign criminals ineligible for a record of suspension. This will ensure more effective removals of foreign criminals from Canada.
The Removal of Serious Foreign Criminals Act introduced today builds on previous legislation that is part of our Government's plan to streamline the removal of foreign criminals and to protect Canadians by holding criminals accountable.
Under this proposed legislation:
- It will be easier and faster to remove certain individuals who are inadmissible on serious grounds, including persons who were convicted of serious crimes in Canada.
- All foreign nationals and certain permanent residents convicted of serious crimes will be ineligible for a record suspension.
- The Correctional Service of Canada can inform registered victims of crime of the date and destination of criminals released from immigration detention.
- Canada would be able to transfer criminals without their consent, to serve their sentence in their home country, under the terms of future treaties.
- Refugees who are deemed to be a danger to the public in Canada will have their protected person status revoked when they are removed and will no longer benefit from Canada's protection.
- Protected persons will be able to voluntarily renounce their status if they want to leave, making their departure from Canada faster in certain cases.
This legislation builds on other measures the Harper Government has brought forward to tackle crime and remove foreign nationals who commit and are convicted of serious crimes in Canada, such as the Limiting Pardons for Serious Crimes Act and the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act.
“Our Government will not allow Canada to be used as a safe haven for foreign criminals. By introducing the Removal of Serious Foreign Criminals Act, our Government is eliminating barriers to the removal of foreign criminals convicted of committing serious crimes in Canada. Also, by allowing the mandatory transfer of foreign criminals to serve the remainder of their sentence in their home country and with the other measures being brought forward today, our Government continues to keep our streets and communities safer for Canadian families.”
- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Jeremy Laurin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
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