Canadian Bar Association urges 100 changes to fix immigration laws

The Canadian Bar Association has proposed 100 changes to help update and improve Canada’s old immigration laws. Image: Canadian Bar Association

The Canadian Bar Association’s immigration law section has asked the government to make 100 key changes to the country's immigration laws. These changes aim to modernize the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which was created in 2001.

A lot has changed in the world since then. So, experts say Canada’s immigration laws must catch up with today’s needs.

Why this matters now

“IRPA has served Canada well since its enactment in 2001, but the immigration landscape has shifted dramatically in the past two decades,” said Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, chair of the immigration law section.

Lehal believes Canada’s system has become harder to understand and less open. She said too many decisions rely on behind-the-scenes rules rather than clear laws. This makes it confusing for people applying to live or stay in Canada.

What the report says

The CBA’s report is called Law, Technology, and Accountability: Reimagining Canadian Immigration for the 21st Century. It highlights the urgent need for updated laws. These new laws should be fair, easier to follow, and match Canada’s original goals for immigration.

The report focuses on current challenges like fast-growing migration, rapid changes in technology, and increasing public demand for openness.

“We believe that the public deserves a system where immigration decisions are made transparently, based on consistent rules, and with meaningful democratic input,” said Lehal.

Key values behind the changes

The proposed changes are built on six strong ideas:

• Human rights
  
• Innovation
  
• Transparency
  
• Natural justice
  
• Collaboration
  
• User experience
  

The CBA said these ideas can help shape a better, more fair immigration system. Many lawyers from across the country support these 100 recommendations.

Next steps with the government

The CBA shared its recommendations with three federal ministers. These include the ministers responsible for immigration, public safety, and government transformation.

Lehal said the association is ready to work closely with the government. They hope to help build an immigration system that is strong, fair, and ready for the future.

“We now urge the government to seize this opportunity to rebuild trust, restore balance, and craft a system that is user-friendly, understandable, and accessible,” said Lehal.

Strong support from legal community

Lehal thanked her fellow legal professionals for helping prepare the detailed submission. She said it reflects the hard work of many experts who understand how the system works and what needs to change.

The Canadian Bar Association hopes its voice will help the government make smart, timely updates to immigration laws. The goal is a better, more open system that works for everyone.