Thousands with Criminal Records Granted Entry, Sparking Transparency Concerns

Over the past eleven years, the Immigration Department has forgiven the criminal convictions of over 17,500 foreigners, allowing them to potentially enter Canada. This has sparked concerns regarding the transparency surrounding the types of offenses involved.

Generally, individuals with criminal convictions are not allowed to enter Canada. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has the authority to grant exceptions if five years have passed since the conviction or the completion of the sentence.

Government data indicates that approximately 17,600 individuals with foreign criminal convictions were deemed "rehabilitated" by IRCC between 2013 and 2024. This allowed them to apply for entry into Canada, including for work, study, permanent residency, or as visitors. However, IRCC has not disclosed the specific types of criminal offenses that were forgiven. The department stated that the Immigration Minister is involved in decisions concerning the most serious offenses.

In the previous year, 1,390 individuals had their criminal convictions forgiven, while 105 applications were denied. In 2023, 1,505 people were considered rehabilitated, with 70 applications rejected.

Critics, including Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner, are calling for greater transparency regarding the types of convictions being forgiven and the circumstances of each case. They believe this is crucial for maintaining public trust in the immigration system's vetting process.

According to IRCC, applicants seeking to have their crimes forgiven must demonstrate that they are unlikely to re-offend. The department considers factors such as the number, circumstances, and severity of the offenses, as well as the applicant's behavior since the crime was committed. IRCC also assesses the support the applicant receives in the community and their current circumstances.

An IRCC spokesperson explained that decisions on less serious offenses are typically made by an IRCC official with the appropriate authority, while the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship handles decisions for more serious offenses.

Immigration lawyer Richard Kurland emphasized the need for IRCC to be transparent about the types of convictions that have been forgiven, citing the importance of protecting Canadians. He noted that while rehabilitation may be justified in certain cases, such as for political offenses or minor crimes committed long ago, applicants with "crimes against the person," including sex offenses and domestic violence, should face stricter scrutiny. He warned of potential risks if such individuals are allowed to enter Canada and cannot be easily removed.