This bill creates a new office called the Office of the Ombud for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. The Ombud will be responsible for checking if the department’s practices are fair and free from bias, racism, or discrimination. The bill sets rules for how the Ombud is appointed, how they work, and what powers they have. It also introduces related changes to other laws to include the Ombud’s role. The office will be located in the National Capital Region and will operate independently from the department it oversees.
The creation of the Ombud’s office means that people who feel they have been treated unfairly by Citizenship and Immigration Canada can file complaints. The Ombud will review these complaints and investigate issues like bias or discrimination. The Ombud can also recommend changes to improve fairness in how decisions are made. The office is designed to make sure the department treats everyone equally and fairly, reducing unfair practices that could affect your application or dealings with immigration services.
The fiscal note indicates that setting up and running the new Office of the Ombud will cost money. The cost details are not specified in the summary, but funding will include salaries for the staff, operational costs, and expenses related to investigations. Since the bill covers appointments and operational functions, the government will allocate funds accordingly. Data unavailable for exact costs.
Supporters of the bill say that the Ombud will improve accountability and transparency in Citizenship and Immigration. They believe the office will help vulnerable applicants by addressing unfair treatment and systemic issues. Advocates argue this will lead to more trust in immigration processes and better protections against discrimination.
Opponents may argue that creating a new office adds bureaucracy and costs to the government. They could contend that existing mechanisms are enough to handle complaints and oversight. Some may express concern that the Ombud might overreach or that its powers could interfere with the department’s operated decisions without sufficient checks and balances. Data unavailable for specific opposition statements.