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Overview

• Bill C-212 would establish an Office of the Ombud for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration to examine departmental practices and investigate potential unfairness, inequity, bias, racism or discrimination, including systemic racism and discrimination.
• It was at first reading on June 18, 2025.

Office and mandate

• The Ombud would review departmental policies, programs, training and processing standards, including the administration of the Citizenship Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Ombud could make recommendations to the Minister.
• Any person who believes they were a victim of unfairness, inequity, bias or discrimination because of a departmental decision, act or omission could complain.
• The Ombud generally could not review matters that occurred before the office was established unless the Minister requested it.
• The Governor in Council would appoint the Ombud after consultations and approval by both Houses of Parliament. The term would be seven years, renewable once. The office would have staff and a head office in the National Capital Region.

Investigations and powers

• The Ombud could investigate a complaint, act on their own initiative or respond to a ministerial request. The Ombud could decline or stop a complaint investigation for specified reasons, including where reasonably available recourse has not been exhausted, and would have to give the complainant written reasons.
• Investigative powers would include summoning witnesses, compelling evidence and requiring information or documents. The Ombud would not have access to certain protected Cabinet confidences.
• After an investigation, the Ombud would report findings and any recommendations to the Minister and, for a complaint investigation, to the complainant. The Minister would have to explain measures taken or proposed and reasons for not following a recommendation, within a period the Ombud may specify.
• Knowingly obstructing the Ombud or making a false or misleading statement would be an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to $2,000.

Reporting, costs and deadlines

• The Ombud would report annually to Parliament and could issue special reports. Reports would be published on the office’s website within 30 days after tabling in both Houses.
• A parliamentary committee would review the Act every five years and generally report within one year of starting the review.
• The bill provides for remuneration, expenses, staff and temporary specialist assistance but does not state a total cost.
• The Act would come into force 180 days after royal assent. Regulations could set further time limits for complaints, investigations, reports and responses.

Changes to other laws

• The bill would add the Ombud to the Language Skills Act and add the office to schedules of the Access to Information Act, Financial Administration Act, Privacy Act, Public Service Superannuation Act and Public Sector Compensation Act.