Bill S-8 amends the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to create a distinct ground of inadmissibility based on sanctions. This means that a foreign national could be denied entry into or be removed from Canada if they are subject to sanctions imposed by international organizations or by Canada under the Special Economic Measures Act or the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. The bill expands the scope of inadmissibility to include sanctions imposed on countries, entities, or persons.
It also makes related changes to the Citizenship Act and the Emergencies Act to reflect these new inadmissibility grounds. Additionally, the bill transfers the authority to issue removal orders based on these sanctions from the Immigration Division to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
The bill includes transitional provisions to address cases already in progress before the law takes effect. It also mandates a review of the amendments within three years to assess their impact and recommend any necessary changes.
In essence, Bill S-8 strengthens Canada's ability to deny entry or remove individuals subject to international or Canadian sanctions, ensuring alignment with international efforts to address global security concerns.
Crime
Bill S-8 affects public safety by changing who is allowed to enter or stay in Canada. It focuses on people who are subject to sanctions, meaning they have been penalized by international groups or Canada. If someone is under sanctions, they could be considered a risk and not allowed into the country, which helps to keep Canada safe.