The end of 2025 marked a period of consequential change in Canadian immigration. It confirmed what many of us have been experiencing in practice for some time: the landscape is evolving, and the policy environment is no longer defined by the same predictability or assumptions that guided earlier eras. Canada is entering a new phase of immigration governance that is shaped by global pressures, domestic priorities, and growing expectations of accountability and responsiveness.
That evolution, however, also brings an important opportunity. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act has not undergone a comprehensive review in nearly twenty-five (25) years.
For this Section, and for the legal profession more broadly, this moment calls not just for critique, but for leadership. It is a chance to help shape the next chapter of Canadian immigration law in a way that upholds fairness, clarity, and the rule of law while remaining responsive to Canada’s changing social and economic realities.
The federal government has clearly signaled that reform is underway. During the first half of my term as Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Immigration Law Section, I have been privileged to work alongside a dedicated group of volunteers who have met this moment with thoughtfulness, professionalism, and resolve. Through submissions, parliamentary engagement, policy dialogue, and day-to-day advocacy, this Section has been present wherever change is taking place.
The momentum over the past six months has been both energizing and encouraging. The quality of work produced by our members, and the collaborative spirit behind it, have not gone unnoticed by policymakers, by institutions, or by our colleagues across the country. It is a testament to the strength of this Section and the vital role it continues to play within Canada’s immigration ecosystem.
As we look ahead to 2026, the work before us remains significant. Immigration will remain central to Canada’s future, and the legal profession will continue to have a critical role in shaping policies that are fair, principled, and workable. There are many opportunities to contribute meaningfully to this work, and I encourage members to engage, volunteer, and help advance the conversations that will define the years ahead.
Finally, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to our Table Officers: Christine Beltempo (Vice-Chair), Cheryl Robinson (Vice-Chair: Litigation and Refugee Affairs), Sajjad Malik (Secretary and Communications), Kamaljit K. Lehal (Past Chair) and to our Senior Advisor, Michael Greene, K.C., for their leadership, guidance, and unwavering support throughout the first half of this term.
Annual National Immigration Law Conference – May 28-30, 2026 | Ottawa, ON
There is also a lot to be excited about as we look ahead. I’m pleased to share that the conference page is officially live, and planning is well underway for what promises to be another meaningful and forward-looking gathering of our membership. This year’s conference theme is:
25 Years of the IRPA: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going
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CBA Immigration Law Section Annual Awards
Founders Award – submissions due February 27th, 2026
The Founders’ Award of the CBA Immigration Law Section was created during the 30th anniversary of the Section when the original founders of the Section were honoured at the annual Immigration Law Conference. The award recognizes an exceptional law student or junior lawyer and a future leader of our Section.
Award of Excellence – nominations due March 13th, 2026
Presented annually to a senior member of the Section with a lengthy and distinguished history of achievement of professional excellence while making a significant contribution to the Canadian citizenship, immigration and refugee community, including the law, access to justice or the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Submissions
The hallmark for our section remains the 100 recommendations to modernize Canada’s immigration law, introduced in 2025, which has become a guiding document for submissions and discussions with various partners and stakeholders.
What gives that work real weight, however, is the follow-through. I want to especially acknowledge the hours of thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work that went into our recent submissions to government and other stakeholders. These include the following:
- Canada’s Immigration Response for Trans Individuals
- Immigration Levels and Impacts on the Administration of Justice
- Bill C-3 – An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (2025)
- Canada – MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement
- Submission Regarding Bill C-12
- Urgent Federal Court clarifications
- The Challenges Facing Entrepreneurs
These contributions reflect the depth of expertise within our Section and our shared commitment to principled, practical, and solutions-oriented advocacy.
Appearances and stakeholder engagement
Our presence before Parliament has also been impactful when closing out 2025. Whether through engagement with the Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship or appearances before the Senate, it is clear that our Section is gaining traction in the right rooms and at the right moments. This kind of influence is built collectively, and it speaks to the credibility you bring to the table every day.
Since September of this term, members of the Section have remained actively engaged with key decision-makers, including meeting participating in consultations with IRCC, CBSA, GAC, and ESDC. From a litigation standpoint, our Vice-Chair: Litigation and Refugee Affairs meets regularly with our counterparts at the IRB and the Federal Court. Summaries of these engagements were shared with members through the CBA Connect Page.
Continuing Professional Development
Join us near the end of each month for a free CPD session! Each session features a different topic being discussed by our very own section members.
Coming Up:
February 24th – Session Title to be Announced
Previous:
January – Elevating Well-Being: Practical Tools for Health and Wellness in Immigration Law
As section Chair, I want you to know that the Table Officers remain deeply committed to working collaboratively with all of you. Our role is to listen, to create space for ideas, to remove barriers where we can, and to ensure that this Section continues to be a place where leadership is shared and contributions are valued.
Thank you again for everything you have given this year; your time, your insight, and your belief in the work we do together. I hope the holidays bring rest, perspective, and time with those who matter most.
Once again, looking forward to reconnecting in person at this year’s conference on familiar ground in Ottawa.