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Protecting the Right to Safety: Responding to Bill C-12

Date
February 25, 2026
Time
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Canada flag with silhouettes of people in front
Location
Online via Zoom
Canada flag with silhouettes of people in front

Bill C-12, the Strong Borders Act, is now in the final stages of debate in the Senate. If passed, it will amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in profound and far-reaching ways, significantly narrowing access to protection for people seeking safety in Canada.

This online panel discussion will break down the most concerning provisions of the bill, explain how they would reshape Canada’s refugee and immigration system, and outline the real-world consequences for asylum seekers, migrants, and marginalized communities.

With only a short window before the bill becomes law, this conversation will also focus on what can still be done collectively to respond. Join leading experts and advocates to understand what is at stake and how to act before it is too late.

Agenda
11:30-11:40 AM EST

Welcome

Anna Triandafyllidou, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University

11:40 AM - 1 PM EST

Panel Session

Chair: The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, CM, OOnt, retired Senator, Public Policy Fellow, Toronto Metropolitan University

Sharry Aiken, Professor, Faculty of Law, Queen's University

Audrey Macklin, Professor, Jackman Law, University of Toronto

The Honourable Senator Paula Simons, Senator from Alberta

Sara Younes, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University