Toronto, Ont. | October 15, 2025 - Originally introduced in the House as Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act in June 2025, Bill C-12 responds to calls for stronger border security and enhanced protection between Canada and the United States, while aiming to uphold privacy rights. Now at the second reading stage, the proposed legislation maintains and intensifies restrictions on newcomers, introducing stricter disciplinary measures that further limit pathways to settle in Canada.
WoodGreen continues to raise concerns about the severity and impact of this proposed legislation, particularly the provisions outlined in Part 7 and Part 8 of Bill C-12.
Part 8 introduces policies that would significantly restrict newcomers by imposing a one-year deadline—retroactive to June 2020—to apply for refugee status. Anyone who has been in Canada for more than one year without applying would be denied a hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. This approach overlooks exceptional circumstances, such as individuals lawfully in Canada on another status who later need to seek refuge due to escalating violence or persecution resulting from global conflicts.
Part 7 grants the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship the authority to cancel or suspend application intake for any immigration stream, including permanent and temporary resident visas, electronic travel authorizations, work permits, and study permits. Without appropriate oversight, this expanded ministerial power could lead to discrimination and systemic injustices—leaving newcomers vulnerable to having their applications cancelled mid-process without recourse.
“Bill C-12 is be designed as a blanket solution in an attempt to sustain immigration levels” says Steve Vanderherberg, VP of Community Programs. “However, this proposed legislation is not a one-size-fits-all approach, as vulnerable newcomers could unfairly lose their visa applications and permits or be denied the right to apply for refugee status.”
“We are calling on the government to withdraw this legislation and work with newcomer and settlement service providers to build an equitable immigrant system with fair processes.”
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ABOUT WOODGREEN COMMUNITY SERVICES: WoodGreen is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, serving 40,000 people each year. We offer over 75 programs and services tackling the social determinants that affect the health and well-being of individuals in our community. Deeply rooted in our community for 85 years, we are a United Way Anchor Agency and member of the East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), working to create innovative solutions to address vital social needs. Learn more at woodgreen.org.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jon Reed, WoodGreen Sr. Manager, Marketing & Communications [email protected]