According to a recent article in the Globe and Mail, the Conservative government has adopted new powers to share Canadian immigration files with foreign governments. This practice could have widespread consequences for individuals who wish to cross borders.
The changes alter the Citizenship Act to allow the government to draft regulations “providing for the disclosure of information for the purposes of national security, the defence of Canada or the conduct of international affairs,” including under international deals struck by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander.
The government will also be permitted to allow the “disclosure of information to verify the citizenship status or identity of any person” to enforce any Canadian law “or law of another country.”
The final regulations are still being developed, but critics warn the changes could lead to Canada sharing citizenship and immigration details with foreign countries, whether verified or not.
Bill C-24, wherein the powers are included, has drawn attention for giving the Minister the independent ability to strip Canadian citizenship in extreme cases, even from those born in the country.
Mr. Alexander’s office said the bill’s added information-sharing powers are “in line” with existing laws under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Lawyers interviewed by The Globe warned that potentially damaging personal information could move quite easily and without adequate oversight.
Immigration lawyer Barbara Jackman said federal officials could pass along citizenship applications and background checks, particularly in relation to Canadians involved in extremist movements abroad.
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