Debates of May 28th, 2026
House of Commons Hansard #124 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session
Department of Citizenship and Immigration—Main Estimates, 2026-27
Business of SupplyGovernment Orders
10:20 p.m.
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
Mr. Chair, there is a requirement for cabinet to ensure an ongoing review of the safe third country agreement. Has cabinet reviewed the safe third country agreement since the U.S. implemented mandatory detention without review by a judge for large categories of the refugee claimants returned to the U.S., third-country pass-through deportations and deportations under the dubious asylum co-operative agreements?
Lena Metlege Diab Minister of Immigration
Mr. Chair, I want to welcome my colleague to the discussion here tonight. She is my immigration critic, and I had a great discussion with her in the summer when we were talking about levels and everything else. I very much value her experience in immigration and also in politics, not just federally but provincially.
The member does ask a good question on the STCA. Does she mind if I continue?
Lena Metlege Diab Halifax West, NS
Mr. Chair, it is not a yes-or-no question. I can answer that question if the member would like.
The Assistant Deputy Chair John Nater
Conservative
We will go back to the hon. member for a follow-up.
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
Mr. Chair, all the minister has to say is that, yes, they have reviewed it or no.
If the cabinet has not, and it is a requirement of cabinet, can the minister confirm that the government has delegated it down with it going to cabinet when the circumstances warrant?
Lena Metlege Diab Halifax West, NS
Mr. Chair, we do monitor the U.S. We use a robust framework to continuously monitor U.S. developments and their impact on the refugee protection system.
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
That is a no, then.
Mr. Chair, is the minister maintaining data on ICE detention for individuals Canada transferred to U.S. authorities?
Lena Metlege Diab Halifax West, NS
Mr. Chair, again, as I said, there is a robust framework. There is continuous monitoring by the department, but also by the partners that the department works with.
Lena Metlege Diab Halifax West, NS
Mr. Chair, as I said, IRCC monitors that with the partners we work with. It is not simply IRCC. There are other departments that it works with in order to monitor them, and we will continue to do that.
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
And the answer is also no.
Mr. Chair, is the minister monitoring the use of ACAs for individuals returned to the U.S. under the safe third country agreement in violation of the safe third country agreement? Has the minister requested assurances from the U.S. authorities that ACAs are not in use for detainees?
Lena Metlege Diab Halifax West, NS
Mr. Chair, as I said, we are continuously monitoring the situation in the U.S.
