An Act to amend the Criminal Code (immigration status in sentencing)
This bill amends the Criminal Code to require judges, when sentencing a non‑citizen, to ignore any potential immigration consequences to the offender or their family. It removes judicial discretion to adjust sentences in light of possible deportation, loss of status, or related impacts. The change is status‑blind and applies across all offences, without exceptions. It does not create new crimes or penalties; it only limits what factors a court may consider at sentencing.
Sentencing rules have, at most, indirect economic effects; any impact on prosperity is unclear and likely minimal.
The bill constrains judicial discretion but does not materially change economic freedom or reduce bureaucracy for workers and businesses.
No direct link to productivity or competitiveness; any reputational effects on talent attraction are speculative.
No direct implications for trade, market access, or export capacity.
Potential signaling effects for global talent aside, the measure does not target investment or innovation levers.
By removing a mitigating factor, the bill could increase incarceration time and drive more removals, raising costs for corrections, CBSA, and tribunals without clear efficiency gains.
No tax policy changes.
This is a narrow criminal‑procedure change with limited macroeconomic relevance, not a driver of broad prosperity.
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