Summary: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is proposing a House of Commons vote to prevent non-citizens convicted of serious crimes from seeking refugee status in Canada. This motion aims to address loopholes that have allowed extortion suspects to delay deportation proceedings, amid a national extortion crisis.
Ottawa – Today, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is advocating for a crucial House of Commons vote to restrict non-citizens with serious criminal convictions from making refugee claims and to close existing loopholes that have enabled extortion suspects to prolong deportation processes.
The motion, introduced against the backdrop of a widespread extortion crisis, also urges the federal government to prevent asylum claims from individuals with pending criminal cases. Poilievre emphasized on social media the necessity of expelling non-citizens who engage in serious criminal activities.
Developing Story: This article will be updated with the voting outcome if it occurs today.
Extortion Crisis Impact: The Conservative motion aligns with a surge in extortion rates nationwide. According to the Conservative Party, extortion incidents have increased by 330% since 2015, with a corresponding 300% rise in the crime rate over the past decade. British Columbia specifically witnessed an almost 500% surge
In December 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency revealed that 15 foreign nationals facing extortion allegations had applied for refugee status in Canada. This revelation provoked strong reactions, with Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke expressing shock that suspects targeted by B.C.’s Extortion Task Force were exploiting refugee claims to evade deportation
Provincial Advocacy: British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized the current system, calling it “absolutely ludicrous” that individuals involved in extortion-related crimes could seek refugee status to avoid repatriation to India. He highlighted instances of what he deemed ongoing terror attacks in the community.
Various city mayors have joined the call for Ottawa to address asylum claim loopholes following a significant uptick in extortion violence.
Proposed Conservative Motion: The motion aims to:
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- Prohibit non-citizens convicted of serious crimes from filing refugee claims
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- Prevent individuals with pending criminal court cases from seeking asylum
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- Eliminate lenient sentencing strategies to evade deportation
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- Address concerns regarding bail laws leading to “catch-and-release” scenarios
The Conservatives attribute the current crisis to several legislative measures. They argue that previous laws such as Bill C-5 removed mandatory imprisonment for severe firearm offenses, including extortion with a firearm. Additionally, they point to Bill C-75’s bail reforms, which compel judges to exercise restraint, potentially releasing repeat violent offenders.
Under existing immigration and refugee regulations, individuals accused of serious crimes can claim refugee status and remain in Canada until a full hearing, bypassing immediate deportation. The Canada Border Services Agency verified that the refugee claims of the 15 extortion suspects were under review by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
Deportation Figures: In 2024, Canada deported 731 criminals, followed by 734 deportations in 2025. Critics argue that these numbers are inadequate considering the extent of criminal activities by foreign nationals.
