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Section 181 — Exceptions to public hearing

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act s 181 Canada Compilation: 2026-03-17 Verified: 2026-05-23

Text of provision

(1) An inquiry must be held in public. However, the judge may, on application, take any appropriate measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the inquiry if, after having considered all available alternate measures, the judge is satisfied that there is

(a) a real and substantial risk that matters involving public security will be disclosed;

(b) a real and substantial risk to the fairness of the inquiry such that the need to prevent disclosure outweighs the societal interest that the inquiry be conducted in public; or

(c) a serious possibility that the life, liberty or security of a person will be endangered.

(2) If the judge considers it appropriate, the judge may take any measures and make any order that the judge considers necessary to ensure the confidentiality of a hearing held in respect of an application under subsection (1).

Plain English

Practical effect

Information only. Nothing on this page is immigration advice or legal advice. Only an authorised representative (RCIC or immigration lawyer) may give immigration advice in Canada.

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