CCLA made written submissions to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration concerning Bill C-43. The bill would, in CCLA’s view, violate fundamental principles of justice and the constitutionally protected rights and freedoms of citizens and non-citizens alike. Thus, for example, the bill would facilitate the removal of people from Canada with no appeal and no humanitarian relief, even if the person is a permanent resident with a family who has been here for decades, even since childhood. The bill would also grant the Minister discretion to keep non-citizens out of Canada, with no statutory limits on the Minister’s discretion. These and other concerning changes would violate the rule of law, due process, and the presumption of innocence; curtail the Charter rights of citizens and non-citizens; concentrate certain discretionary powers in the hands of the Minister; and remove key judicial oversight and appeal mechanisms – all with no demonstrable gains for Canada’s safety or security.
To read CCLA’s submissions, click here.
