Bill C-212 Citizenship Immigration Ombud Act

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C-212 An Act to establish the Office of the Ombud for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts

Short title: Department of Citizenship and Immigration Ombud Act

Bill Type: Private Member’s

Bill Sponsor: Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East)

First Reading: June 18, 2025

This Bill creates a new independent watchdog specifically for Canada's immigration system — with the power to investigate complaints of unfairness, bias, racism and discrimination in how immigration decisions are made.

WHO GAINS POWER

  • A new independent Ombud — appointed by the Governor in Council with Parliamentary approval, with power to summon witnesses, compel documents and investigate the immigration department
  • Immigrants, refugees and permanent residents — gain a formal complaints mechanism outside the department itself
  • Parliament — gains annual and special reports tabled in both Houses, plus a mandatory five-year review of the Act

WHO LOSES POWER

  • The Department of Citizenship and Immigration — subject to external investigation, mandatory responses to recommendations and public reporting on its practices
  • The Minister — must respond to Ombud recommendations within a specified timeframe and explain any recommendations not followed

WHO GAINS MONEY

  • The new Office of the Ombud — a fully funded federal institution with staff, remuneration and operating budget
  • Legal and advocacy organizations supporting immigrants — a new formal channel strengthens their clients' complaints

WHO LOSES MONEY

  • Federal government — cost of establishing and operating a new independent office

THE CATCH

  • The Ombud can investigate and recommend — but cannot overturn immigration decisions or order remedies
  • The Minister must respond to recommendations but is not required to follow them
  • Cabinet sets the time limits for complaints and investigations by regulation — the Ombud's operational window is controlled by the government it oversees
  • No review of matters that occurred before the Office is established — no retroactive accountability
  • Comes into force 180 days after Royal Assent

Source: https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-212/first-reading