Latest news with #ImmigrationandRefugeeProtectionAct
a day ago
- Politics
Immigration minister defends sweeping new powers in border bill
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab is defending controversial new measures in the Strong Borders Act, such as giving her office the power to cancel immigration documents en masse and placing time limits for asylum seekers to make their applications. There's a lot of applications in the system. We need to act fairly, and treat people appropriately who really do need to claim asylum and who really do need to be protected to stay in Canada, Diab told CBC News. We need to be more efficient in doing that. At the same time, Canadians demand that we have a system that works for everyone. Introduced in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, is meant to protect Canadian sovereignty, strengthen the border and keep Canadians safe, according to the federal government. The bill would make dozens of amendments to existing laws. Its proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act would force asylum seekers entering the country, including students and temporary residents, to make claims within a year. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said mass cancellations of immigration documents would not be done without careful consideration by cabinet. Photo: CBC / Mark Crosby The new law would also require irregular border crossers, people who enter Canada between official ports of entry, to make an asylum claim within 14 days of arriving in Canada. And it would speed up voluntary departures by making removal orders effective the same day an asylum claim is withdrawn. Groups such as the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers are raising concerns about these measures. There are a few categories of people who may end up making a claim after they've been in Canada for more than one year for fully legitimate reasons, said Adam Sadinsky, the group's advocacy co-chair. He cited examples such as changes in government in someone's country of origin, the breakout of conflict or their human rights advocacy in Canada placing a target on them. They may now be in danger returning back home in a way that they weren't when they first arrived, he said. Federal government data shows some 39,445 asylum claimants processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency between January and April. (new window) Sadinsky said if the government's motivations are about clearing backlogs, it may be creating another problem. Asylum seekers who find their application rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada can file appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division. However, shutting them out of the asylum route after a year could make them turn to the Federal Court of Canada for recourse instead, a body that has been public (new window) about its own courtrooms facing severe delays with immigration cases. It's a lot more work for the court, Sadinsky said, when people start getting removal dates from Canada and they have to ask the court for motions for stays of removal from Canada. Sadinsky suggested the government could have reduced backlogs by issuing blanket approvals for would-be asylum seekers from countries where Canada recognizes there is an imminent danger to sending them back, such as Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. WATCH: Public safety minister says border bill will give law enforcement better tools to deal with crime Début du widget Widget. Passer le widget ? Fin du widget Widget. Retourner au début du widget ? Public safety minister says border bill will give law enforcement better tools to deal with crime Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, will 'keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl and crack down on money laundering,' as well as 'enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system.' Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the government needed to act, though he recognized courts are facing efficiency problems. We need to be able to do two things at once, he said about changing the asylum system and reducing court backlogs. Reached for comment, the office of the chief justice of the Federal Court said in a statement it would simply hope that any potential impact on the court's workload would be taken into account, citing a previous amendment to immigration law under Stephen Harper's Conservative government in 2010 that included four new court positions. Mass cancellation powers The Migrant Rights Network, an advocacy group, said it is alarmed about the government giving itself the ability to cancel previously issued immigration documents in large groups. What this is, is setting up of a mass deportation machine, said its spokesperson Syed Hussan. Just go out and say we're walking away from the Geneva Convention. Diab said any mass cancellation decisions would be taken by the whole cabinet, not just her office, and they would not be done lightly. These are in exceptional circumstances, when you're talking about mass cancellation or suspension, she said. For example, when COVID happened, we literally had applications coming in, and the system had no authority to suspend or cancel those applications … we could have health risks again. We could have security risks. Bill C-2 is now moving through Parliament. The legislation would normally be studied by parliamentary committee next, though neither Diab nor Gary Anandasangaree, the public safety minister, could say which committee would pick it up. Committees have not been named yet for this sitting and it is unclear if they will before Parliament wraps up for the summer at the end of June. The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers said it intends to write a letter outlining its concerns to the federal government, and would hope to present at committee when the moment arrives. Raffy Boudjikanian (new window) · CBC News ·
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Liberals introduce bill proposing sweeping border security powers
The Liberal government introduced sweeping new legislation Tuesday that it says will protect Canada's sovereignty, strengthen the border and keep Canadians safe. Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, would give increased powers to Canada's security and intelligence services, expand the ability to open and inspect mail and allow officials to cancel or suspend immigration documents. The legislation proposes changes to a number of laws including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Oceans Act, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, among others. "We need to ensure Canada's law enforcement is equipped with the tools they need to stay ahead of organized crime groups and crack down on their illicit activities," Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said in Ottawa Tuesday. "This is essential to maintaining the safety and security of our country … it is also a priority that we share with our neighbours." Watch | Minister says bill aligns with Charter rights: The proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act give the government increased power over immigration documents in cases where public health or national security are at risk. Specifically it allows officials to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents immediately, pause the acceptance of new applications and cancel applications already in process if deemed in the public interest. The changes also allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to share information more widely with different agencies within Canada. Asylum claims would also have to be made within a year of entering the country, including for students and temporary residents. The immigration changes would also require irregular border crossers, people who enter Canada between official ports of entry, to make an asylum claim within 14 days of arriving in Canada. The changes would also speed up voluntary departures by making removal orders effective the same day an asylum claim is withdrawn. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and used the declaration to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico over what he said was an untenable flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. The Liberal government has since worked to persuade the Trump administration that Canada is acting to stem the southbound flow of drugs and migrants. Anandasangaree said Tuesday that Bill C-2 was drafted to contain "elements that will strengthen the relationship" between Canada and the U.S. "There are a number of items in the bill that have been irritants for the U.S. so we are addressing some of those issues," he said. "But it's not exclusively about the United States." The minister said he did not brief the U.S. border czar, Tom Homan, about the changes before introducing the bill but CBC News can confirm he did speak with Homan later Tuesday to provide details of the throne speech promised legislation to bolster security at Canada's borders and new tools for police and intelligence agencies to help them stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. The Strong Borders Act fulfils that pledge by proposing to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to allow more control of chemicals used to make illegal drugs like fentanyl. "This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use, and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals," the Public Safety Ministry said in a statement. This bill builds on earlier Canadian measures, including round-the-clock surveillance of the border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. Ottawa is also working with Washington on a North American "joint strike force" to target organized crime groups that work across borders. In a move that gives the Canadian Coast Guard an active surveillance and security role, Bill C-2 proposes amending the Oceans Act to enable the agency to conduct "security activities" designed to "strengthen sovereignty and maritime domain awareness, particularly in remote Arctic waters." The changes to the Canadian Coast Guard would allow the agency to "collect, analyze and share information and intelligence for security purposes." The bill would also amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Customs Act and the Criminal Code to improve intelligence and law enforcement agencies' ability to access information. And it would require shippers and warehouse operators to provide access to their premises to inspect goods for export, something already required for goods being imported into Canada. Other measures in Bill C-2 include: Amending the Canada Post Corporation Act to remove barriers preventing police from searching mail when authorized to do so in the course of a criminal investigation. Ensuring electronic service providers, which officials explained meant entities that hold subscription information, retain data so it can be lawfully provided to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Amending the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to allow the Mounties to share information with international partners. Crack down on money laundering by strengthening enforcement and penalties, and by putting restrictions on cash transactions over $10,000 and cash deposits by one individual into another's account.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Liberals introduce bill proposing sweeping border security powers
The Liberal government introduced sweeping new legislation Tuesday that it says will protect Canada's sovereignty, strengthen the border and keep Canadians safe. Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, would give increased powers to Canada's security and intelligence services, expand the ability to open and inspect mail and allow officials to cancel or suspend immigration documents. The legislation proposes changes to a number of laws including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Oceans Act, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, among others. "We need to ensure Canada's law enforcement is equipped with the tools they need to stay ahead of organized crime groups and crack down on their illicit activities," Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said in Ottawa Tuesday. "This is essential to maintaining the safety and security of our country … it is also a priority that we share with our neighbours." Watch | Minister says bill aligns with Charter rights: The proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act give the government increased power over immigration documents in cases where public health or national security are at risk. Specifically it allows officials to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents immediately, pause the acceptance of new applications and cancel applications already in process if deemed in the public interest. The changes also allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to share information more widely with different agencies within Canada. Asylum claims would also have to be made within a year of entering the country, including for students and temporary residents. The immigration changes would also require irregular border crossers, people who enter Canada between official ports of entry, to make an asylum claim within 14 days of arriving in Canada. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and used the declaration to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico over what he said was an untenable flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States. The Liberal government has since worked to persuade the Trump administration that Canada is acting to stem the southbound flow of drugs and migrants. Anandasangaree said Tuesday that Bill C-2 was drafted to contain "elements that will strengthen the relationship" between Canada and the U.S. "There are a number of items in the bill that have been irritants for the U.S. so we are addressing some of those issues," he said. "But it's not exclusively about the United States." The minister said he did not brief the U.S. border czar, Tom Homan, about the changes before introducing the bill but CBC News can confirm he did speak with Homan later Tuesday to provide details of the throne speech promised legislation to bolster security at Canada's borders and new tools for police and intelligence agencies to help them stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. The Strong Borders Act fulfils that pledge by proposing to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to allow more control of chemicals used to make illegal drugs like fentanyl. "This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use, and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals," the Public Safety Ministry said in a statement. This bill builds on earlier Canadian measures, including round-the-clock surveillance of the border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. Ottawa is also working with Washington on a North American "joint strike force" to target organized crime groups that work across borders.
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Guilt by association': Attempts to send Hells Angels gambling probe player back to Italy, halted
A man sentenced as part of a Hells Angels' gambling den investigation, which uncovered alleged ties to the Figliomeni crime family, has been granted a judicial review as the government attempts to send him back to Italy. The decision comes more than a year after the Minister of Public Safety decided Giorgio Campagna, 62, a permanent resident in Canada, should be referred for an admissibility hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. '(It was) found that the severity of the applicant's actions and their impact on public safety outweighed the concerns the applicant had raised about the adverse consequences of his removal from Canada,' read court documents, referring to the 2023 decision. Now though, federal court Justice John Norris ruled a judge needs to look into the matter after discovering some potential flaws. 'This application for judicial review will be allowed, (the former) decision will be set aside and the matter will be remitted for redetermination by a different decision-maker,' he wrote in his findings. Campagna pleaded guilty to keeping a common gaming house in March 2021 after he was arrested in December 2019. The arrest came as part of an OPP probe, dubbed Project Hobart, into the Hells Angels alleged online sports gambling ring and gambling den at 680 Silver Creek Blvd., in Mississauga. The investigation has been in the news lately after Craig 'Truck' McIIquham, a Hells Angel charged in the operation, was gunned down in a targeted shooting outside a Burlington Mandarin at the end of April. As part of Campagna's plea, three counts of bookmaking and the commission of a crime of an offence for a criminal organization charge were withdrawn. For his crimes he received a conditional discharge, which essentially equates to probation. Project Hobart resulted in 28 arrests and alleged the group made $131 million over five years in the illegal gambling space. The probe used intercepted private communications and surveillance to allege the Mississauga unit was owned and operated by Raffaele Simonelli, Serafino Barone, Ralph Elammar and Dimitris Kellsis. All charges against the four, including firearm, betting house and bookmaking allegations, were stayed. When police searched the café in December 2019, seven video gaming machines were seized. For months Campagna went to collect cash from the machines and discussed their maintenance, the investigation showed. One conversation indicated that one week the proceeds amounted to $7,440, of which he retained about 20 per cent, court documents allege. When search warrants were executed at Campagna's home and car, investigators found $79,020 of which Campagna agreed, of this amount all but $3,235 was obtained by crime. Court documents pointed to a 2023 report prepared by the CBSA suggesting there were reasonable grounds to believe that Campagna is inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which refers to 'organized criminality' and 'engaging in an illegal gaming enterprise.' The inland enforcement officer alleged Campagna was a member of an illegal gaming enterprise with ties to both the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Figliomeni crime group. 'The officer found that the applicant was a 'midtier' and trusted member of the criminal organization …(and) had direct contact with senior members of the illegal gaming operation,' court documents read. 'The officer also found that (Campagna) had … jeopardized the safety and security of Canadian society.' However Norris ruled the CBSA went 'well beyond' anything mentioned in Campagna's guilty plea or agreed statement of facts. 'I agree with the applicant that the delegate's decision is unreasonable in two key respects: the assessment of the applicant's criminality and the assessment of the applicant's personal circumstances,' it reads. 'The reasoning process appears to be nothing but guilt by association.' The court heard how a delegate of the Minister of Public Safety used the weapons seized from a separate mafia probe into the Figliomeni crime group, called Project Sindicato, to conclude Campagna's actions warranted a referral for an admissibility hearing, despite him never being charged as a part of Sindicato, Norris also found Campagna's ability to communicate in Italy and receive treatment were not properly considered. For his part, Campagna said he's been in Canada since age five, but has never sought full citizenship. The court also heard his claims that he's remorseful and called his involvement in the crimes a 'relatively minor offence.' His family, including his mother, who is suffering from dementia, his common-law partner, siblings, children and grandchildren all live in Canada. The court also heard from Campagna that he has a litany of illnesses, no friends in Italy and does not speak the language.
Canada Standard
22-05-2025
- Canada Standard
Joint CBSA and RCMP investigation into a human trafficking network leads to sentencing of three individuals
May 22, 2025 Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada Border Services Agency | Royal Canadian Mounted Police The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are announcing that three individuals have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in connection with a joint investigation into human trafficking and employing foreign nationals without authorization. On April 23, 2025, Christian Vitela pled guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . He received a conditional discharge with two years of probation with the condition that he not employ foreign nationals. On February 5, 2024, Mario Roca Morales pled guilty to three counts of human trafficking in violation of the Criminal Code of Canada . On February 27, 2024, he was sentenced to eight and a half years incarceration. On February 14, 2023, Miurel Bracamonte pled guilty to employing a foreign national without authorization, in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act . Bracamonte received a four-month conditional sentence plus an additional eight months probation. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $2,771 in restitution to the victim. In 2018, the RCMP's Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment and the CBSA's Southern Ontario Region began a joint investigation into human trafficking and unauthorized employment of foreign nationals. The foreign nationals entered the country as visitors via Toronto Pearson International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport and the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. The investigation revealed these individuals were trafficked into employment in different lines of work, mostly in the Hamilton-Niagara Region, through employment agencies operated by members of the group who had facilitated their entry into Canada. The foreign nationals were exploited by the group members and their respective companies. RCMP and CBSA, along with the Hamilton Police Service and several other police services in July and September of 2019, conducted eight search warrants in the Golden Horseshoe area, seven in Hamilton and one in Milton. They discovered 84 foreign nationals, living in deplorable conditions, upwards of 25 people living in a single house and others with infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches and other vermin. These search warrants and investigation led to charges of Human Trafficking, Material Benefit and Employing Foreign Nationals Without Authorization being laid in 2021 and 2022. The final court process was completed in April of 2025. If you have information about suspected human trafficking or foreign nationals being illegally employed, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060. If you wish to report criminal activity in your area, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
