Senate Committee Pushes for Changes to Bill C-12 Immigration Powers

Senate Committee Pushes for Changes to Bill C-12 Immigration Powers

Updated on February 24, 2026 (Toronto time)

A Senate committee studying the immigration-related parts of Bill C-12 (Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act) has recommended major changes, including removing Parts 5 to 8 of the bill. These sections include proposals tied to information-sharing, changes to the in-Canada asylum system, new authorities over immigration documents, and new ineligibility rules.

This does not change the law today. Committee recommendations can influence the bill, but the Senate still has to complete the legislative process before anything takes effect.

What the Senate committee recommended

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI) released a report after examining the subject matter of Parts 5 to 8. Its first recommendation is that Bill C-12 be amended to remove Parts 5 to 8 entirely.

If that full removal is not adopted, the committee also listed alternate recommendations, including:

• adding mandatory review by the Privacy Commissioner for the proposed information-sharing regime (Part 5)

• narrowing who the information-sharing rules apply to (Part 5)

• targeted changes to asylum process wording in Part 6

• adding strong parliamentary oversight related to new authorities (Part 7)

• changes to proposed refugee ineligibility rules (Part 8), including addressing retroactivity and adjusting timelines

Why “mass cancellation powers” are being debated

One of the most discussed sections is Part 7, which would allow the Governor in Council to make certain orders affecting immigration documents in the “public interest.” Witnesses told the committee this could create an overbroad power to cancel, suspend, vary, or impose new conditions on immigration documents.

The committee’s report notes concerns about:

• executive overreach

• a very broad “public interest” standard

• risk of unfair or discriminatory group-based impacts (depending on how powers are used)

What happens next (as of Feb 24, 2026)

According to Parliament’s official LEGISinfo tracker, Bill C-12 is currently at Senate committee stage. The Senate adopted a motion that:

• sent the bill to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, and

• authorized SOCI to report on Parts 5 to 8 as subject matter.

Until the Senate completes its work (and the bill receives Royal Assent and is brought into force), current rules continue to apply.

What immigration applicants should do right now

If you have a pending application or valid document (work permit, study permit, visa, PR card), the practical steps are simple:

• follow today’s rules, not rumors

• track the bill using official sources (below)

• if you may be affected by asylum eligibility rules, use official IRCC guidance and get qualified legal advice for your personal situation

Official government links to track Bill C-12

• Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo) – Bill C-12 status and progress

• Senate committee report (SOCI) on Parts 5–8

• Government of Canada overview page explaining Bill C-12

• Department of Justice Charter Statement (Bill C-12)

• IRCC: Pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) information

FAQs

Did the Senate committee stop Bill C-12?
No. A committee report can recommend changes, but the Senate still decides what happens next.

Does this mean my permit or application will be cancelled?
Not based on today’s rules. Any future changes depend on the final law and how it is brought into force.

How do I know when the final version becomes law?
Use the Parliament LEGISinfo tracker and Senate proceedings. Royal Assent and final text will be reflected there.

Reality check

Bill C-12 is moving through a fast Senate process, and details can change quickly. Until the bill is finalized, it’s safest to rely on Parliament records and official Government of Canada pages, not social media summaries. If you’re in a high-risk situation (especially involving asylum), professional legal advice is still the right step for case-specific decisions.