Canadian Sector Criticizes New Bill Allowing Government to Cancel Study Permits During Crises

This news article discusses growing criticism within Canada’s international education sector over a proposed federal law (Bill C-12) that would give the government new powers to cancel study permits on a large scale during crises such as pandemics or national security emergencies.

📰 1. What the Bill Proposes

The Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) would allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to suspend or cancel study permits if it deems it necessary for reasons of:

• National security
• Public health emergencies (like a pandemic)
• “Public interest” (a broad, undefined term in the proposal)

⚖️ 2. Why the Sector Is Concerned

International education leaders argue that the bill gives the government too much unchecked power and could unfairly affect innocent students.

• Gonzalo Peralta (Languages Canada) said that the phrase “public interest” is too vague and could lead to legitimate students losing their permits without clear justification.
• Larissa Bezo (CBIE) supported maintaining integrity in the system but emphasized that students who were victims of fraud should not be punished.

🏛️ 3. Political Opposition

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner strongly opposed the bill, saying it sounded “authoritarian” and questioned why the government needed such sweeping powers.
She also criticized Immigration Minister Lena Diab, accusing her department of trying to fix their own screening failures by punishing students instead of improving immigration processes.

🧾 4. Background: Past Fraud Issues

In 2023, Canada faced a major scandal involving fraudulent study permit applications submitted by dishonest agents.

Last year, in 2023, some dishonest agents sent fake admission letters to IRCC for students.
Many students didn’t even know about it they were innocent victims of fraud.
After that, Canada made a new rule that every student must show a verified acceptance letter from a real college or university.

However, critics argue that students who were victims of this fraud should not be penalized again through new laws like Bill C-12.

📉 5. Wider Context: Permit Cuts

This debate comes at a tense time.
The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, recently announced plans to cut new international study permits by over 50% between 2026 and 2028expanding on the current enrolment caps already hurting colleges and universities.

These caps and new legislative powers together signal a tougher stance on international students, raising alarm across Canada’s education sector, which relies heavily on international enrolments.

🎓 6. Effects on International Students

If this bill becomes law, it could create serious uncertainty for international students:

• Students could lose their study permits suddenly during emergencies or policy changes, even if they’ve followed all the rules.
• It might make students feel insecure about studying in Canada, worrying their visa could be cancelled for vague reasons like “public interest.”
• Fewer study permits and stricter laws could lead to higher competition, longer processing times, and reduced opportunities for future applicants.
• The overall trust in Canada’s education system might decline, pushing students to choose other countries such as the UK or Australia.

💬In Summary

• Bill C-12 aims to let the government cancel study permits in national emergencies or for “public interest.”
• Education advocates and opposition politicians say the law is too broad, lacks transparency, and risks punishing innocent international students.
• If passed, it could cause uncertainty and stress for current and future students, at a time when Canada is already planning to cut study permits by 50%, further limiting opportunities for international learners.

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