Canadian Border Security (CBSA) Practice Exam

Which year was significant for the passing of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act?

1. 2001

2. 2002

3. 2003

4. 2004

The correct answer is: 2002

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) was significant for Canada as it marked a major overhaul of the country's immigration and refugee protection system. The Act was passed in 2001 and came into force on April 1, 2002. This legislation replaced the earlier Immigration Act of 1976 and aimed to streamline the process for immigrants and refugees while enhancing the security measures for border control. The importance of this act lies in its multifaceted approach that emphasized the integration of immigrants into Canadian society, the protection of refugees, and the necessity for a balance between compassion and security. It introduced new categories of immigration, clarified the roles of immigrants and refugees, and strengthened the criteria for those seeking to enter Canada. While the passing of the act occurred in 2001, it officially took effect in 2002, which is critical in understanding the timeline of its implementation. Therefore, selecting 2002 as the year of significance pertains to when it began impacting immigration and refugee processes in Canada, after its passage the previous year.