ARCHIVED – How to take part in the discussion on Indigenous border mobility

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) want to hear from First Nations, Inuit and Métis about barriers and issues related to border crossings.

We will then use what we heard during this process to recommend changes to section 19 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and make other policy changes to address border crossing challenges. Changes will be in line with Action Plan Measure 52, one of the shared priorities under the United Nations Declaration Act (UNDA) Action Plan.

See the full context and read more about Indigenous border mobility in Canada.

From October 2023 to January 2024, we’ll invite Indigenous governments, representative organizations and individuals to take part in Regional Roundtables to:

• discuss key issues
• seek advice from community members

Roundtables that will be held during fall and winter 2023–2024:

If you want to learn more about the Roundtables or if you’d like to receive more background material, please email us at IRCC.IndigenousMobility-MobiliteAutochtone.IRCC@cic.gc.ca and CBSA.Indigenous_Affairs_Secretariat-Secretariat_aux_affaires_autochtones.ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

You may also provide your input through email or regular mail.

Discussion questions

Some key issues raised by First Nations, Inuit and Métis that we will consider when we develop policy recommendations include:

1. Scope:
   1. Outside Canada: Which Indigenous Peoples who live outside Canada should be recognized as having a right to enter and remain in Canada under the IRPA?
   2. Inside Canada: Should section 19(1) of the IRPA explicitly refer to First Nations, Inuit and Métis, in addition to Canadian citizens and persons registered under the Indian Act?
2. Documents: What documents could Indigenous Peoples present at the border to show their identity as a person with a right to enter and remain in Canada?
3. Remaining in Canada: What are other topics to consider, such as the ability to work and study?
4. Putting changes in place: How can we help put changes in place in a way that meets the needs of Indigenous Peoples?
5. Accompanying issues: What other issues tied to the mobility of Indigenous Peoples are important for the Government of Canada to understand, such as:
   • the experience of crossing borders (including by using technology-based solutions)
   • the movement of sacred and ceremonial cultural items and medicines
   • improving and easing trade

We want to hear from you

Your input is critical for us to develop legislative and policy options on border mobility. If you want to take part, you can review the discussion questions above and share your comments by email or mail by January 19, 2024.

Next steps

We appreciate your partnership, and thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, wisdom lived and experience with us. We plan to publish a report of recommendations to aid on the path forward in the winter of 2024, so stay tuned for updates on this page.