Bill C-11 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill C-11 amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to reform refugee claim processing and the Federal Courts Act to increase the number of judges.
Bill C-11, also known as the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, makes several changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. The amendments primarily affect how refugee claims are processed, including new procedures for interviewing claimants, appointing members of the Refugee Protection Division, and appeal processes. The bill also clarifies the Minister's authority to grant permanent resident status or exemptions on humanitarian or public policy grounds. Additionally, it changes the Federal Courts Act to increase the number of Federal Court judges. Some provisions come into force at different times, with some taking effect two years after royal assent or up to 12 months after other provisions come into force.
- Amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to change how refugee claims are processed, including referral to interviews, appointment of Refugee Protection Division members, and appeal procedures.
- Clarifies the Minister's powers regarding humanitarian and public policy exemptions and granting permanent resident status.
- Amends the Federal Courts Act to increase the number of Federal Court judges.
- Introduces transitional provisions for the processing of refugee claims that were pending before the changes took effect.
- Refugee claimants
- Members of the Immigration and Refugee Board (specifically the Refugee Protection Division and Refugee Appeal Division)
- The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
- Federal Court judges
- Claimants whose refugee claims are rejected are prohibited from applying for a temporary resident permit or seeking protection from the Minister for 12 months, with exceptions.
- The burden of proof for the eligibility of a refugee claim rests on the claimant.
- Members of the Refugee Protection Division are appointed under the Public Service Employment Act.
- The Minister can designate countries of origin for specific processing rules.
- The Minister has the authority to grant permanent resident status or exemptions on humanitarian, compassionate, or public policy grounds, with certain limitations.
- The Act received Royal Assent on June 29, 2010.
- Some provisions come into force two years after Royal Assent or on an earlier day set by order of the Governor in Council.
- Certain other provisions come into force 12 months after a specific section (15(3)) comes into force, or on an earlier day set by order of the Governor in Council.
- The bill may affect fees related to requests for permanent resident status or exemptions, as the Minister may exempt individuals from payment.
- A foreign national whose claim is rejected cannot request a temporary resident permit for 12 months, with specific exceptions.
- A Division of the Board may determine a proceeding has been abandoned if the applicant defaults, including failing to attend interviews or hearings.
- The specific criteria for designations of countries of origin are to be set out in regulations.
- The bill outlines that regulations may govern various aspects of the application and appeal processes, including time limits and procedures.
- Some sections of the Act are amended, but the exact nature of these amendments beyond what is explicitly stated in the bill text is not detailed.
- The bill does not specify the exact number of additional Federal Court judges beyond stating an increase.
- The commencement dates for certain provisions are not fixed and depend on future orders in council or the coming into force of other provisions.
Changes numerous aspects of the refugee determination process, including claim referrals, interviews, appointments, appeals, inadmissibility, and the Minister's discretionary powers.
Source: Bill C-11
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textThe official summary published alongside the bill, shown exactly as written.
Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
A legislative summary is currently being prepared for this bill by the Parliamentary Information and Research Service of the Library of Parliament. Meanwhile, the following executive summary is available. If you have any questions, please contact the Library of Parliament at (613) 995-1166. On 30 March 2010, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism introduced Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act (Balanced Refugee Reform Act), in the House of Commons and it was given first reading. Bill C-11 amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Among other things it • provides for the referral of a refugee claimant to an interview with an Immigration and Refugee Board official, who is to collect information and schedule a hearing before the Refugee Protection Division. The bill also provides for the appointment process for members of the Refugee Protection Division; • provides for the coming into force of an appeals process for claimants to appeal a decision of the Refugee Protection Division to the Refugee Appeal Division; • authorizes the Minister to designate, in accordance with the process and criteria established by the regulations, safe countries of origin and countries whose nationals are precluded from appealing to the Refugee Appeal Division; • prescribes the type of evidence that may be put before the Refugee Appeal Division and the circumstances in which that Division may hold a hearing; • prohibits a person whose claim for refugee protection has been rejected from applying for a temporary resident permit or applying to the Minister for protection in cases where less than 12 months have passed since their claim was rejected; • prescribes the Minister’s authority to grant permanent resident status or an exemption from any obligations of the Act on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or on public policy grounds; • authorizes the Minister, in respect of applications for protection, to exempt nationals, or classes of nationals, of a country or part of a country from the 12-month prohibition; • limits the circumstances in which the Minister may examine requests for permanent resident status or for exemptions from any obligations of the Act on humanitarian and compassionate grounds; and • enacts transitional provisions for pending claims. The enactment also amends the Federal Courts Act to increase the number of Federal Court judges.
This is the official summary published by the Parliament of Canada, shown verbatim. Not legal advice. PoliticalData.ca did not write or edit this text.
View on LEGISinfoParliamentary Process
Bill C-11, concerning amendments to immigration and refugee law, had its first reading in the Senate on March 30, 2010.
This artifact documents the first reading of Bill C-11 in the Senate, which occurred on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. This marks the initial introduction of the bill in the Senate.
During a Senate sitting on June 15, 2010, Bill C-11, an act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act, received its first reading.
On June 15, 2010, the Senate of Canada convened for a sitting that included Senators' Statements on various topics, Routine Proceedings where reports were tabled and bills were read for the first time, Question Period addressing issues like medical isotopes and offshore oil drilling, and Orders of the Day. A key procedural event was the first reading of a bill to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act, which was received from the House of Commons. Other legislative items included debates on bills concerning safe drinking water for First Nations, official languages, and medical devices, as well as the adoption of committee reports and motions.
The Senate completed second reading for Bill C-11 on June 17, 2010, agreeing to the bill and referring it to committee.
This record shows the procedural steps taken in the Senate for Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. The Senate's second reading of the bill occurred on June 17, 2010, following major speeches. The record indicates that the bill was agreed to at this stage and referred to committee. This artifact does not represent the full text of the bill, nor does it describe the substance of the speeches given.
On June 16, 2010, the Senate held a sitting that included tributes to a retiring senator, discussions on various government matters, and debates on the second reading of several bills, including Bill C-11 concerning immigration and refugee protection.
This document details a sitting of the Senate on June 16, 2010. The sitting included Senators' Statements, Routine Proceedings, Question Period, and Orders of the Day. A significant portion of the sitting was dedicated to tributes for Senator P. Michael Pitfield, who had resigned. Several notices of motions were presented, and questions were raised regarding international cooperation and aid, the proposed national securities regulator, and the protection of lighthouses. Debates occurred on the second reading of Bill C-2 (Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Bill), Bill C-34 (An Act to amend the Museums Act), and Bill C-11 (An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act). Bill S-4 (Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Bill) had its third report adopted. The debate on Bill C-268 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code) was suspended. The sitting concluded with the Senate being adjourned.
In a Senate debate at second reading, the sponsor of Bill C-11 argued that the proposed reforms to Canada's asylum system would improve fairness and efficiency, allowing genuine refugees to receive protection faster while expediting the removal of false claimants.
This Senate debate at second reading concerned Bill C-11, which aims to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Judith Seidman, argued that the proposed reforms would allow Canada to assist genuine refugees more quickly by creating a more efficient and fair asylum system. She stated that the current system is "broken" with large backlogs and slow processing times, and that some individuals abuse the system. The bill aims to deter abuse, speed up protection for those genuinely in need, and facilitate the removal of false claimants. Key proposed changes included a new information-gathering interview, independent decision-makers, a refugee appeal division, faster processing times for both genuine and false claimants, and designated countries of origin for faster processing. Senator Seidman emphasized that the amendments adopted by the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration further strengthened the bill, ensuring faster protection for those who need it while upholding Canada's humanitarian tradition. She concluded that the proposed measures respect fairness, effectiveness, and human rights.
During the Senate's second reading debate of Bill C-11, Senator Jaffer spoke in support, detailing concerns for committee review, and the bill was then referred to committee.
This Senate sitting on June 17, 2010, included the second reading debate for Bill C-11, an Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer spoke in favour of the bill, commending the ministers involved and highlighting key issues for the committee's study. These issues included the designated countries list, the personal information form process, pre-removal risk assessments, the Refugee Appeals Division, and humanitarian and compassionate hearings. She also shared her personal experience as a refugee and emphasized the importance of a credible refugee system. Following her speech, the bill was referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. The sitting also included debates on other bills and various committee reports, statements, and questions.
During Senate second reading debate on Bill C-11, Senator Jaffer spoke in support, discussing refugee definition criteria and procedural aspects of the bill, before it was referred to committee.
On June 17, 2010, during the Senate's second reading debate on Bill C-11, Senator Mobina S. B. Jaffer spoke in favour of the bill. She highlighted the importance of gender guidelines in the refugee definition and discussed issues like designated countries, the personal information form, pre-removal risk assessment, the Refugee Appeals Division, and humanitarian and compassionate hearings. Senator Jaffer shared her personal experience as a refugee and emphasized the need for a credible refugee system. The bill was subsequently read a second time and referred to committee.
The Senate committee considered and completed its review of Bill C-11 on June 28, 2010, following which it passed third reading.
This artifact marks the completion of the 'Senate Consideration in committee' stage for Bill C-11. This stage involved multiple committee meetings where the bill was reviewed. The record indicates that the bill moved through this stage and subsequently passed third reading in the Senate on June 28, 2010.
The Senate considered Bill C-11, with the Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee reporting it without amendment, after which it proceeded to and passed third reading, with discussions focusing on improving the refugee system.
On June 28, 2010, the Senate was in session. During Routine Proceedings, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology presented its Ninth Report on Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. The committee reported the bill without amendment. Following this, the bill was scheduled for third reading later that day. Later in the sitting, during the Orders of the Day, Bill C-11 proceeded to third reading. Senators Art Eggleton and Mobina S.B. Jaffer spoke on the bill, highlighting its aim to create a faster and fairer refugee system. They noted that the committee had unanimously approved the bill and attached two observations concerning the plan for an internal evaluation of the reformed immigration system and the importance of securing qualified personnel for the Refugee Protection and Refugee Appeal Divisions. The bill then received third reading and passed.
The Senate completed the Third Reading of Bill C-11 on June 28, 2010, a procedural step before the bill received Royal Assent.
This artifact describes the final stage of Bill C-11 in the Senate, which is Third Reading. On Monday, June 28, 2010, the Senate considered and agreed to the bill at its third reading. This stage is a procedural step before a bill receives Royal Assent.
During the Senate's third reading debate on Bill C-11, senators discussed the bill's aims to expedite refugee claims and raised observations on its implementation, after which the bill was passed.
The Senate continued its proceedings on Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. The Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee presented its ninth report, indicating the bill was examined and reported back without amendment. The Senate then proceeded to third reading of the bill. During the third reading debate, Senators Eggleton and Jaffer spoke about the bill's purpose of processing refugee claims quickly and fairly, and discussed observations made by the committee regarding future evaluations and the importance of qualified personnel. Senator Jaffer raised specific concerns about humanitarian and compassionate applications, designated countries of origin, gender guidelines, the Refugee Appeal Division, and increasing refugee resettlement. The debate concluded with the bill being read a third time and passed. The sitting also included other routine proceedings, question period, and debates on various other bills and inquiries.
Bill C-11, an Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act, completed its first reading in the House of Commons on March 30, 2010, and eventually received royal assent on June 29, 2010.
This record shows the procedural steps taken for Bill C-11 in the House of Commons, starting with its first reading on March 30, 2010. It outlines subsequent stages including second reading, committee consideration, report stage, and third reading, all of which occurred before the bill received royal assent on June 29, 2010. The artifact also notes that the bill was considered in the Senate, with similar procedural steps.
Bill C-11 was introduced for first reading in the House of Commons on March 30, 2010.
On March 30, 2010, Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act, was introduced in the House of Commons for its first reading. This is a procedural step and does not reflect the full content or potential impact of the bill.
The House of Commons completed second reading for Bill C-11, after which it was referred to committee and later received Royal Assent.
The House of Commons completed its second reading stage for Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. This stage involved speeches from sponsors and respondents, after which the bill was agreed to and referred to the Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM). The bill later received Royal Assent on June 29, 2010, becoming chapter 8 of the Statutes of Canada, 2010. The Senate also had its own process for this bill, including first reading, second reading, committee consideration, and third reading.
During the second reading debate of Bill C-11, MPs discussed reforms to Canada's refugee system, focusing on processing timelines, safe country designations, and appeal processes, with varying opinions on the bill's impact and proposed amendments.
This document details the House of Commons debate on Bill C-11, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, during its second reading on April 26, 2010. The debate included discussions on proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. Key topics included the proposed timelines for processing refugee claims, the concept of designated "safe countries of origin," the establishment of a refugee appeal division, and the overall fairness and efficiency of the asylum system. Various members of Parliament from different parties expressed their views, concerns, and suggestions for amending the bill.
On April 27, 2010, the House of Commons debated Bill C-11 concerning refugee reform, discussed the Quebec Bridge, and heard a Speaker's ruling on Afghan detainee documents, concluding with adjournment proceedings on veterans' affairs.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on April 27, 2010. The main focus of the sitting was the debate on Bill C-11, an Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. Members of Parliament discussed the proposed changes to refugee protection, including concerns about the "safe country" designation, the potential impact on individual assessments, and the speed of processing claims. There was also discussion on other matters, including the Quebec Bridge, and a ruling by the Speaker on a question of privilege regarding the production of documents related to Afghan detainees. The sitting concluded with adjournment proceedings concerning veterans' affairs.
During a second reading debate on Bill C-11, Members of Parliament discussed proposed reforms to the refugee determination system, with significant debate focusing on the "safe countries of origin" clause and its potential impacts on fairness and the rights of claimants.
This document is a transcript of a debate in the House of Commons on April 29, 2010, concerning Bill C-11, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act. The debate focused on proposed changes to Canada's immigration and refugee protection laws, particularly regarding the designation of "safe countries of origin" and its implications for refugee claims and appeals. Various Members of Parliament expressed concerns about fairness, potential discrimination, the politicization of the refugee system, and the adequacy of proposed timelines for processing claims. The government defended the reforms as necessary to streamline the system while maintaining fairness and increasing the number of resettled refugees.
Bill C-11 completed its committee consideration stage in the House of Commons between May 6, 2010, and June 11, 2010, as part of its journey to receiving Royal Assent.
This record indicates that Bill C-11, an Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act, underwent consideration in a House of Commons committee on multiple dates, concluding on June 11, 2010. This stage is part of the legislative process where a bill is examined in detail by a committee. The overall bill status was 'Royal assent received', meaning it had already become law by the time this summary was generated.
On June 11, 2010, the House of Commons debated the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act, with members expressing diverse opinions on its implications, alongside discussions on other government and private member business.
On June 11, 2010, the House of Commons convened to discuss various matters, including the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. Several members of Parliament spoke about the agreement, with differing views expressed on its potential benefits and drawbacks, particularly concerning human rights in Colombia and the impact on Canadian industries. The sitting also included statements by members on various topics, oral questions regarding the G8 and G20 summits and government spending, and routine proceedings such as the presentation of committee reports and petitions.
The House of Commons completed the Report stage and Third reading for Bill C-11 on June 15, 2010, prior to its consideration in the Senate.
On June 15, 2010, the House of Commons completed the Report stage and Third reading for Bill C-11. This means that the Members of Parliament finished reviewing and approving changes to the bill at this stage in the House of Commons before it moved to the Senate.
On June 15, 2010, the House of Commons debated and passed Bill C-11, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, among other legislative business and proceedings.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on June 15, 2010. The House debated and passed Bill C-11, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, at its third reading. The sitting also included routine proceedings where several bills were introduced, and government orders where the House moved forward on other legislative items, including the First Nations Certainty of Land Title Act, which was deemed passed. There was also a significant discussion on a point of order regarding Bill C-469, the Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights, and a debate on that bill. The sitting concluded with adjournment proceedings.
The House of Commons completed the third reading of Bill C-11 on June 15, 2010, after which it proceeded to the Senate.
On June 15, 2010, the House of Commons completed the third reading stage for Bill C-11, an act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act. Following this stage, the bill moved on to its first reading in the Senate on the same day.
During the third reading debate on Bill C-11 in the House of Commons on June 15, 2010, Members of Parliament discussed various aspects of refugee reform, ultimately passing the bill.
On June 15, 2010, the House of Commons debated Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Federal Courts Act, during its third reading stage. The debate involved discussions on proposed amendments and the overall impact of the bill on Canada's asylum system. Members from various parties participated, with the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism highlighting the collaborative efforts to create a faster and fairer system. The debate concluded with the bill being read the third time and passed.
We don't have a plain-language summary for Debates of the Senate yet. The official source linked below is the full record.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill does not have a published recorded division in the current official sources, so representative-by-representative vote counts are not shown.
No published representative vote breakdown
The current official sources do not publish a recorded division breakdown for this bill, so there is no representative-by-representative table to show.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced