On IHAP & Bill C-2/12

Bill C-2/12

• Bill C-2, also known as the “Strong Borders Act”, was introduced to the House of Commons in June 2025.
• Bill C-12 was proposed in October 2025 as a proposed adjustment to certain aspects of Bill C-2. It introduces:
  • a strict timeline to start the refugee claimant process (1 year),
  • restrictions on people’s ability to claim asylum who travel through the US to Canada,
  • threatens privacy protections for vulnerable communities,
  • and gives the government the authority to enforce mass deportations without due process.
• Current & former residents, staff, volunteers, or supporters of RH could face a sudden negative change in their immigration status.

IHAP

• The Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) was created in 2019 to support provinces and municipalities facing increased numbers of refugee claimants requiring emergency shelter.
• IHAP is a federal program that provides funding for refugee claimant shelter, as immigration is a federal responsibility under the Constitution.
• In August 2025, IRCC offered 39% of the requests to invest in lower-cost shelter options and move away from costly hotels.
• If accepted, the City of Toronto would be unable to proceed with 250 planned small-scale refugee shelter spaces.
• If the City cannot find the funds elsewhere, it may need to close shelter spaces, meaning more people will be sleeping outside.

CALL TO ACTION

Contact Your Member of Parliament (MP)

Your MP has the power to challenge legislation like Bill C-2/12, advocate for restored IHAP funding, and demand transparency from IRCC.

Find out how : https://migrantrights.ca/actionslist/c12mpcall/

When writing or calling, emphasize:

• Opposition to clauses in Bill C-12 that remove due process and restrict access to refugee protection.
• The need for full federal cost-sharing for refugee claimant housing.