The B.C. government is urging the federal government to act quickly in passing Bill C-12 to close gaps that are being exploited by organized crime groups involved in extortion.

Nina Krieger, B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has written to Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Public Safety, and to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, urging swift action on the legislation.

Krieger thanked Anandasangaree for his government’s introduction of Bill C-12 and for his commitment to ensuring that immigration processes cannot be exploited by those involved in organized crime. The Province is urging federal legislators to move quickly so that these critical reforms are enacted without delay.

“Extortion causes real fear for families and businesses in B.C., and some criminals are attempting to misuse immigration processes to evade justice,” Krieger said. “The passage of Bill C-12 would make it harder for criminals who are foreign nationals to seek refugee status to avoid being removed from Canada. These reforms are needed to disrupt organized crime networks more effectively and keep British Columbians safe.”

Law enforcement agencies in B.C. have encountered cases where individuals connected to extortion-related activities may possess expired visas, have pending refugee claims, or non-compliant student visas, while actively participating in or linked to violent offences. If passed, Bill C-12 would accelerate inadmissibility determinations and removals for individuals with established links to organized criminal networks. This means those responsible for extortion could be removed from Canada more quickly, and law enforcement would have the tools they need to help stop organized crime.

B.C. is also advocating for strengthened newcomer orientation, to help ensure that those who come to Canada understand Canadian laws, public-safety expectations, and how to avoid being unknowingly recruited or exploited by criminal elements.