Last Updated On 12 February 2026, 12:59 PM EST (Toronto Time)
Bill C-12, known as the “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act,” is swiftly progressing through the Senate towards becoming law.
On February 9, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs.
Today, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada will testify, and the committee is set to commence reviewing its draft report around 10:30 am E.T. (Toronto time).
If you have a pending work permit, study permit, or are considering an asylum claim, this legislation could impact your immigration process directly.
The bill aims to address significant challenges such as asylum backlogs, border security issues, and the fentanyl crisis, raising questions about its implications for immigration applicants.
Outlined below are the five key ways in which Bill C-12 will influence the Canadian immigration system upon its enactment.
Where Bill C-12 Currently Stands
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- House of Commons First Reading: October 8, 2025 – Completed
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- House of Commons Second Reading: October 23, 2025 – Completed
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- House of Commons Consideration in Committee: November 28, 2025 – Completed
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- House of Commons Report stage and Third reading: December 11, 2025 – Completed
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- Senate First Reading: December 11, 2025 – Completed
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- Senate Second Reading: February 5, 2026 – Completed
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- Committee Review: Feb 9–12, 2026 – In Progress
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- Report Stage: Expected Soon – Not Yet Reached
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- Senate Third Reading: Expected Soon – Not Yet Reached
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- Royal Assent (When it actually becomes law): Expected Late Feb – Not Yet Reached
Committee Hearing Schedule February 2026
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- Feb 9 (Mon): Ministerial Testimony – Done
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- Feb 11 (Today): Drug Policy & Indigenous – Done
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- Feb 12 (Wed): Privacy & Report – Scheduled for today
The committee is progressing rapidly, with the draft report review set for today. Bill C-12 could advance to the third reading within days, potentially receiving Royal Assent by late February 2026.
1. Mass Cancellation Of Immigration Documents
One contentious aspect of Bill C-12 is the authorization it grants to the Governor-in-Council (federal cabinet) to mass-cancel, suspend, or alter immigration documents, including work permits, study permits, and visitor visas.
Implications for Applicants:
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- Your immigration documents may be mass-cancelled if deemed in the “public interest” by the government.
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- This authority can be exercised in cases of organized fraud, cyber threats, public health crises, or national security concerns.
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- The government may cease accepting new applications for specific document types.
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- Any mass actions must be published in the Canada Gazette, and the Minister must present a report to Parliament within 7 sitting days.
Crucial Safeguard: The Immigration Minister cannot unilaterally exercise this power; it necessitates a Governor-in-Council order (full cabinet approval).
Furthermore, the mass cancellation of documents does not automatically lead to the loss of status for individuals already residing in Canada.
