The bill has resulted in hearings denied for refugee claimants across Canada, who face removal to countries where they may be at serious risk
The United Church of Canada is raising urgent concerns about the implementation of Bill C-12, warning that refugee claimants across the country are being denied access to hearings and placed at serious risk of deportation without adequate protection.
Church leaders report that more than 60 asylum seekers, including families with young children, have been denied hearings to support their claims for refugee protection. Without the opportunity to be heard, individuals and families now face removal to countries where they may be at risk of persecution, violence, or imprisonment.
While the United Church is the largest religious sponsor of LGBTQIA+ refugees in Canada through Rainbow Refugee partnerships, leaders stress that the impacts of Bill C-12 extend far beyond any single group. Through longstanding relationships and partnerships with Churches Witnessing With Migrants, the International Migrants Alliance, the Migrant Rights Network, and the Canadian Council for Refugees, the church is hearing consistent alarm from migrant, refugee, racialized, and diasporic communities nationwide.
Emerging communities of faith across Canada describe widespread fear and uncertainty among their members, many of whom are now facing impossible choices: comply with removal orders, return to danger, or remain undocumented without access to essential supports. Advocates warn that these outcomes increase the likelihood of family separation, children losing caregivers, and heightened vulnerability to exploitation.
Legal experts have echoed these concerns. The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers has raised serious questions about the lack of safeguards for individuals deemed ineligible under Bill C-12 and the risks created when claims are denied without referral to the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Grounded in its faith-based commitment to migrant justice and human dignity, The United Church of Canada is calling for the repeal of Bill C-12. At minimum, immediate amendments should be made to ensure that all current applicants have access to a fair hearing, and are protected from removal while their cases are unresolved.
Act Now
Members of The United Church of Canada and all people of conscience are urged to act now. Contact your local Member of Parliament and ask them to use their voice in Ottawa to raise the alarm about the harm caused by Bill C-12.
In the spirit of migrant justice that is central to the ministry of The United Church of Canada, we urge the repeal of Bill C-12. If repeal is not possible, we call for immediate amendments to ensure a just process—one in which all current applicants have their day to be heard, and their claims fairly and compassionately assessed.