Maple News reports that a newly introduced piece of legislation, Bill C-2, could significantly reshape how and when foreign nationals are eligible to seek asylum in Canada. If passed, the law would impose stricter timelines and more specific requirements on individuals seeking refugee protection.
According to the bill, foreign nationals would become ineligible to apply for asylum if they entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and did not file their refugee claim within one year of entry. This change directly targets delayed or retrospective claims and would apply retroactively to any applications submitted after the law’s introduction, which occurred on June 3, 2025.
The bill also closes a major loophole for individuals who enter Canada through irregular crossings at the Canada–U.S. land border. Under the current law, asylum seekers who cross outside official ports of entry are allowed to make claims if they wait 14 days. The proposed legislation would eliminate this waiting period exception, rendering such claimants ineligible regardless of how long they wait.
Certain exceptions to these new ineligibility criteria could still be made via regulations, offering a degree of discretionary relief for specific cases. However, the extent and frequency of these exceptions remain undefined.
Bill C-2 also introduces broader government powers under the authority of the Governor in Council. These include the ability to stop processing specific immigration applications, suspend or cancel immigration documents, and impose new terms or conditions on existing statuses. Authorities would also gain expanded rights to require individuals to appear for interviews with immigration officials.
Maple News notes that the stated aim of Bill C-2 is to bolster border and national security while managing asylum and immigration flows in coordination with the United States. However, the bill has sparked concern among advocacy groups, who argue that it may disproportionately impact vulnerable asylum seekers and those fleeing urgent humanitarian crises.
Before becoming law, the bill must pass three readings in the House of Commons and the Senate, followed by Royal Assent.
Maple News will continue to monitor parliamentary developments as Canada considers this consequential shift in its asylum policy.