A new bill proposes sweeping changes to refugee protection rules in Canada, affecting claims made after June 2020 and granting expanded powers to the government.
In a significant move, the Canadian government has introduced new legislation that could dramatically narrow eligibility for asylum—with retroactive implications. Titled Bill C-2, the proposed law was introduced for first reading in Parliament on June 3, 2025, and aims to tighten border security and redefine criteria for refugee protection in Canada.
Key Change: One-Year Limit on Refugee Claims Post-Entry
One of the most notable provisions in the bill is a strict time limit for filing refugee claims.
“A foreign national would be ineligible to claim refugee protection if they entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and make the claim more than one year after their day of entry.”
This clause, if enacted, would disqualify many delayed claims—even if the claimant had been living in Canada for several months or years.
Irregular Border Crossings Also Under Scrutiny
The bill further targets individuals who enter Canada via unofficial land border crossings from the United States.
Under the current law, those who cross irregularly can still apply for refugee protection if they wait at least 14 days before submitting their claim. However, Bill C-2 proposes to remove this safeguard, making such entrants immediately ineligible for asylum.
Notably, claims made prior to the bill’s introduction are exempt from these changes. The new eligibility rules will only apply retroactively to any claim made after June 3, 2025, should the bill pass into law.
Sweeping Powers Proposed for the Governor in Council
Beyond asylum eligibility, the bill grants broad discretionary powers to the federal government. If deemed in the public interest, the Governor in Council would be authorized to:
- Issue orders preventing certain immigration applications from being processed;
- Suspend or terminate the processing of pending applications;
- Cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents or impose new conditions on them.
These provisions mark a significant centralization of authority, raising concerns about transparency and due process.
Expanded Powers Over Personal Information and Examination
The bill also proposes greater enforcement mechanisms, including the power to require individuals to appear before immigration officials for questioning.
In addition, it allows for increased sharing of personal data between government departments—raising potential privacy concerns among advocacy groups and legal experts.
What Comes Next?
The bill—“Bill C-2, An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures”—must still undergo two more readings in Parliament, pass the Senate, and receive royal assent before becoming law.
Until then, the proposal will likely spark intense debate over Canada’s asylum policies, border enforcement, and the balance between national security and humanitarian commitments.
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