Understanding Bill C-12: Key Changes and Implications for Newcomer-Serving Organizations

Bill C-12 introduces significant changes to Canada’s immigration and asylum system, with important implications for refugee claimants and the organizations that support them.

Delivered in partnership with the Community Legal Education Association (CLEA), MANSO is pleased to welcome Alastair Clarke of Clarke Immigration Law for a 90-minute virtual presentation on the refugee law aspects of Bill C-12. The session will provide participants with an overview of key changes and an opportunity to better understand how these changes may affect refugee claimants, (re)settlement services, and newcomer-serving organizations in Manitoba.

Drawing on recent developments and sector analysis, the presentation will focus on practical information relevant to organizations working with refugee claimants and individuals navigating Canada’s asylum system.

Who Should Attend?
This session is intended for organizations who support refugee claimants and other newcomers who may be affected by changes to Canada's immigration and asylum system. This may include (re)settlement practitioners, case workers, employment and community support staff, managers, program leaders and volunteers.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will:

• Gain an overview of key refugee law changes introduced through Bill C-12;
• Learn about changes that may affect refugee claimants and the eligibility and processing of asylum claims;
• Explore potential implications for newcomer-serving organizations supporting affected individuals;
• Identify considerations for frontline staff when providing information, referrals, and support; and
• Have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues relevant to their work.

About the Presenter
Alastair Clarke is an immigration and refugee lawyer, based in Winnipeg. He founded Clarke Immigration Law Corporation in 2015 based on his experience a community legal aid clinic. CIL is a private firm focused on complex cases for the most vulnerable clients. Our motto is, “we are in the business of saving lives.”

CIL is focused on access to justice and transparency. Clients often comment they are treated like family. The team provides services in many languages, including French, Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Russian, Hebrew and Taiwanese.

Alastair’s extensive experience prior to law school has had a significant impact on his practice. He has moved 24 times and lived in 4 continents. He worked in counselling and suicide prevention, taught English at a Junior High School, and, at one point, he was on track to join the Canadian foreign service. With the support of a dedicated team, Alastair loves learning about other cultures and solving problems.

Questions & Discussion
The final portion of the session will include a Q&A period. Participants are encouraged to bring questions related to the implications of Bill C-12 for their organization's work and the individuals they support. 

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions directly to the presenter. Time is limited. Please ensure that any identifiable personal details must be removed when asking your questions; otherwise, it will be skipped.

This session is intended for professional learning and information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Participants should refer individuals to qualified immigration or legal professionals for advice regarding their specific circumstances.

Online events

• This is an online event. You will need to have access to a computer/ laptop or other devices with a webcam & microphone, as well as an internet connection. 

• Accessibility accommodations are available on advance request. If you have any questions, concerns or inquiries, please send us an email at info@mansomanitoba.ca or call 204-272-0872.