CMLA Submission to SOCI Regarding Bill C-12

Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association - Bill C-12 Submission to SOCI - Feb 9 2026.pdf

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FR Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association - Bill C-12 Submission to SOCI - Feb 9 2026 (1).pdf

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The Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association, Legal Advocacy Committee, has submitted a brief to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology regarding Bill C-12.

We raised concerns about the expansion of state power across immigration, border enforcement, and information-sharing regimes without adequate study. We also highlighted the disproportionate impact of the expanded powers on Muslim, racialized and marginalized communities. We urged the Senate to pause the advancement of the Bill pending proper impact assessment and review.

The CMLA is one among many organizations urging the Senate to pause the advancement of Bill C-12, due to its far-reaching and unprecedented impacts on some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Bill C-12 will go on to push vulnerable people underground and it will risk further criminalizing people who will be left with no other legitimate immigration pathway to seek settlement in Canada. In this climate, Canada should be a leader in reaffirming its commitments to refugee protection and human rights, not capitulate to fear-mongering politics.

Thank you to Naseem Mithoowani and Hazem Mehrez for their assistance in drafting this brief.