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Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Canada’s Position: a continued commitment to immigration but a harsher reality for those who would threaten Canada’s security

The Big Picture: The new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) was introduced less than a year after 9/11. It modernizes Canada’s immigration and refugee programs and also ensures that Canada will not be a safe haven for persons who endanger national security.

The Facts:

The new law, in effect since June 2002:

• provides for expedited removal of persons who pose security threats;
• harsh new penalties (up to life in prison and fines of up to a million dollars) for those convicted of human trafficking and smuggling or for using or selling fraudulent documents;
• denial of access to Canada’s refugee determination process to persons posing security threats;
• new tools for front-line officers at Canada’s borders including security screening of all asylum seekers before their refugee claim is heard and clearer grounds for detention where it is warranted;
• the suspension of refugee claims for persons charged with serious criminal offences and reductions in the delays of the removal of serious criminals;
• new penalties for misrepresentation of material facts in trying to gain entry to or remain in Canada.

For more information, visit CanadianAlly.com and be secure in your knowledge of Canada

February 2005