Section 40 — Misrepresentation
Text of provision
(1) A permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible for misrepresentation
(a) for directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act;
(b) for being or having been sponsored by a person who is determined to be inadmissible for misrepresentation;
(c) on a final determination to vacate a decision to allow their claim for refugee protection or application for protection; or
(d) on ceasing to be a citizen under
(i) paragraph 10(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, as it read immediately before the coming into force of section 8 of the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, in the circumstances set out in subsection 10(2) of the Citizenship Act, as it read immediately before that coming into force,
(ii) subsection 10(1) of the Citizenship Act, in the circumstances set out in section 10.2 of that Act, or
(iii) subsection 10.1(3) of the Citizenship Act, in the circumstances set out in section 10.2 of that Act.
(2) The following provisions govern subsection (1):
(a) the permanent resident or the foreign national continues to be inadmissible for misrepresentation for a period of five years following, in the case of a determination outside Canada, a final determination of inadmissibility under subsection (1) or, in the case of a determination in Canada, the date the removal order is enforced; and
(b) paragraph (1)(b) does not apply unless the Minister is satisfied that the facts of the case justify the inadmissibility.
(3) A foreign national who is inadmissible under this section may not apply for permanent resident status during the period referred to in paragraph (2)(a).
Plain English
Section 40 provides that a permanent resident or foreign national is inadmissible for misrepresentation for directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of IRPA.
A misrepresentation is "material" if it could have affected the outcome of the application. It is not necessary for the misrepresentation to have actually been relied upon — the test is whether it could have induced an error.
Section 40(1)(b) provides that a person is inadmissible for misrepresentation by a third party acting on their behalf, if the person knew or should have known of the misrepresentation. This provision applies to consultants and representatives who misrepresent on behalf of applicants.
Practical effect
A finding of misrepresentation results in a five-year bar on applying for any status in Canada. This five-year period begins from the date of the final decision finding misrepresentation.
Misrepresentation findings must be preceded by a procedural fairness letter giving the person an opportunity to respond. Courts have held that failure to provide this opportunity is a reviewable error.
Innocent misrepresentation is not a complete defence — inadmissibility can be found even where the applicant did not intend to deceive. However, innocent misrepresentation may be relevant to an H&C application.