CBSA in Quebec enacting ‘unprecedented’ deportations, forcing family separations, refugee advocates say
Advocates and legal experts are warning of a disturbing trend in Canada where deportation proceedings are systematically separating parents from their children, and spouses. These cases, which often leave children deprived of a parent indefinitely, are reportedly concentrated in Quebec.
The impact is seen in dramatic individual cases, including a breastfeeding mother detained for five weeks away from her newborn and a father—the primary breadwinner—facing separation from a baby with heart problems. Maryse Poisson, director of social intervention at the Welcome Collective in Montreal, noted that her organization alone has assisted eight families in two months facing similar separations.
The Surge in Quebec Removals
Data reveals a significant increase in removal efforts within Quebec. The province accounted for 30 per cent of Canada’s deportations in 2022, rising to nearly 46 per cent in 2025. In the first three months of 2026, Quebec represented nearly 55 per cent of all nationwide removals.
Louis-Philippe Jannard, an immigration researcher, suggests this spike may be influenced by a hardening of public discourse. He notes that some politicians and commenters have framed asylum seekers as the source of societal problems, which may be influencing CBSA activities in the province.
Jannard also pointed to a shift in CBSA priorities in early 2025, where the agency began increasingly targeting failed asylum claims. While the exact cause remains unclear, factors may include tougher removal practices enforced by the CBSA’s Quebec administration.
Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns
Anne-Cécile Khouri-Raphaël, vice president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, argues that these removals may contradict Canada’s legal obligations. This includes commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and domestic immigration laws that emphasize family reunification.
Families are further hindered by a severe shortage of legal representation. Marie-Odile Marcotte, an immigration lawyer, stated We find fewer than 300 refugee lawyers in Quebec, with only a few handling emergency cases. She noted that a single deportation case can require at least 50 hours of work, yet the deadlines provided are extremely short.
Government and Agency Responses
The CBSA has stated it is legally mandated to remove foreign nationals subject to an enforceable removal order as quickly as possible. The agency clarified that being a family member of a protected person eligible for permanent residency does not make an individual “immune from removal proceedings.”
Political pressure is mounting, with NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice reporting that his party has written to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. MNA Andrés Fontecilla of Québec solidaire has called on the provincial government to intervene and stop the deportation of spouses and children of those permitted to stay in Canada.
Future Implications
The trajectory of deportations may be influenced by recent legislative changes. In late March, the federal government enacted a strict asylum law that retroactively nullifies an estimated 30,000 refugee claims.
Legal experts express concern that removals could ramp up further if Bill C-12 passes next year. More families may face the risk of separation as the government continues efforts to slow population growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are deportations more concentrated in Quebec? Researchers suggest several factors, including a shift in CBSA priorities toward failed asylum claims in early 2025, tougher administration practices in Quebec, and political rhetoric that frames asylum seekers as a source of societal problems. How many people are currently being deported from Canada? The CBSA reported 23,160 removals last year, a new high. Current rates indicate Canada is removing nearly 400 people per week. What legal obstacles do families facing deportation encounter? Families struggle with very short deadlines and a lack of legal representation; there are fewer than 300 refugee lawyers in Quebec, and few specialize in emergency deportation cases. Do you believe the mandate to enforce removal orders should be balanced with a policy that prohibits the separation of families?