The Reuniting Families Act (Bill C-242) makes changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It focuses on making it easier for parents and grandparents to visit their children and grandchildren in Canada.
First, it allows parents and grandparents applying for a temporary resident visa to buy health insurance from companies outside of Canada, as long as the Minister approves those companies. This insurance will meet the requirement for private health insurance needed to visit Canada.
Second, it lets these parents and grandparents stay in Canada for up to five years at a time.
Finally, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration must create a report about lowering the amount of money a child or grandchild needs to earn to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada for a long visit. This report must be presented to Parliament and made public. If the Minister doesn't lower the income requirement within two years, they must explain why to Parliament.