Canada's controversial Bill C-12 has cleared a major hurdle after the Senate National Security Committee approved all immigration measures without changes on February 23, 2026.
The decision came despite strong pushback from the Social Affairs Committee, which had recommended removing controversial sections that grant sweeping powers to cancel permits and impose strict asylum deadlines.
Proposed amendments—including extending the one-year refugee claim deadline and protecting minors—were rejected. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab hinted at possible regulatory exemptions for children but offered no guarantees.
The bill faces a final vote by February 26 and could become law by March 2026, affecting thousands of applicants.
#bill_c_12, #canada_immigration, #asylum_seekers, #refugee_claims, #refugees
February 25, 2026
Employers who break the rules of Canada's temporary foreign worker program now face much steeper penalties. Fines have jumped from $102,250 across 74 companies in 2018-19 to $4.8 million for 147 companies last fiscal year.
McMaster University professor Catherine Connelly notes the government shifted from an educational approach to a deterrence strategy.
The change comes as public scrutiny of the program intensified.
Despite larger penalties, experts believe many violations still go undetected. Meanwhile, employer applications for the program dropped sharply from 150,000 in 2023-24 to just 63,000 in the current fiscal year.
#canada_immigration, #foreign_workers, #tfwp, #temporary_foreign_worker_program
February 24, 2026
Saskatchewan employer faces multiple charges for alleged exploitation of foreign workers Rodney Sidloski has been charged with six offences under Saskatchewan's immigration legislation for allegedly exploiting two foreign workers at HELP International Shelterbelt Center near Weyburn between 2022 and 2024.
The charges include producing false payroll records, misrepresenting employment terms, and taking advantage of the workers' trust and lack of knowledge.
These alleged violations occurred at the tree farm operation and involve breaches of the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act and the Immigration Services Act. The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training's Program Compliance Branch continues its work to protect vulnerable foreign workers across the province.
#saskatchewan_immigration, #foreign_workers, #worker_exploitation, #canada_immigration
February 24, 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has significantly streamlined the process for Permanent Residents (PRs) needing to renew or replace their official status cards. In a move designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility, individuals whose PR cards are expired, lost, stolen, or damaged can now complete the entire application process through the department's dedicated online portal. This digital shift marks a substantial modernization of immigration administration.
Historically, replacing essential identification like the PR card often involved complex paper submissions, lengthy processing times, and potential confusion regarding required documents. The new online system aims to mitigate these common pain points. For permanent residents, maintaining a valid PR card is crucial, particularly for travel outside the country, as it serves as proof of status upon return to Canada. An expired or missing card can lead to significant logistical challenges.
The IRCC guidance emphasizes that applicants must follow the step-by-step instructions available through the official application link. While the convenience of the online submission is high, permanent residents are reminded that they still must meet all standard residency obligations to qualify for renewal. Key steps typically involve verifying identity, providing proof of residency fulfillment, and uploading necessary supporting documentation directly to the secure government platform.
This move underscores IRCC's commitment to adapting its services for a digital age, ensuring that maintaining legal resident status is as seamless as possible. Permanent residents who require immediate replacement or renewal are strongly encouraged to utilize the official resources provided by IRCC to initiate their application promptly and avoid any unnecessary interruptions to their residency rights or travel plans.
#PRCard #PermanentResident #IRCC #OnlineApplication #CanadaImmigration #StatusRenewal
February 23, 2026
