Bill C-212 Citizenship Immigration Ombud Act

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Bill 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

Bill Sponsor:  Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East)

Status: First Reading: June 18, 2025

Estimated Read Time:  2 minutes

What is this Bill for?

This Bill would create 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 — faces independent investigation 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 Office of the Ombud — a new Federal office with paid leadership and staff

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
  • Government can set deadlines for complaints, investigations, reports and responses by Regulation. The Ombud can also specify the Minister’s response period
  • No review of matters that occurred before the Office is established unless the Minister requests it — retroactive review depends on the Minister
  • The Ombud has no right to access protected confidential Government deliberations covered by Section 16.
  • Comes into force 180 days after Royal Assent