Legal updates

New eligibility rules for refugee claims

The Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) added two rules. For claims started after June 2, 2025, a claim is not eligible to go to the Immigration and Refugee Board if it is made:

• more than 1 year after the person first entered Canada (for entries after June 24, 2020), or
• more than 14 days after entering between official ports of entry along the Canada–US border.

Unaccompanied minors are exempt. IRCC says the modernized claim process, including firmer deadlines for sending evidence, was implemented on November 3, 2026.

Source: IRCC – Changes to Canada's asylum process in 2026 (modified November 3, 2026). Checked November 9, 2026.

Express Entry: points for high-wage jobs, and no LMIA needed for job offers

IRCC changed how Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are awarded:

• Job offer points are back, but only for eligible high-wage occupations: 100 points (at least twice the average median wage), 70 points (1.5 to under 2 times) or 50 points (1.3 to under 1.5 times).
• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is no longer needed for a job offer to count.
• Up to 70 extra points for at least 12 months of Canadian experience in a high-wage occupation.

Existing profiles are being recalculated, which IRCC says can take up to two weeks.

Source: IRCC – 2026 changes to points for Canadian work experience and job offers (modified October 16, 2026). Checked November 9, 2026.

Refugee claim refused? The appeal deadlines are 15 and 45 days

Most people refused by the Refugee Protection Division can appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division. You must file the notice of appeal within 15 days, and the full appeal record within 45 days, of the day you receive the written reasons. Days are calendar days.

Source: Immigration and Refugee Board – Filing an appeal. Checked November 9, 2026.

Federal Court judicial review: 15 days in Canada, 60 days outside

Many immigration decisions can be challenged by asking the Federal Court for leave (permission) and judicial review. The application must be filed within 15 days for a matter arising in Canada, or 60 days for a matter arising outside Canada, after you are notified of the decision.

Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 72 (current to October 19, 2026). Checked November 9, 2026.

Alberta's Care-First auto insurance system

The Government of Alberta says that under Care-First, people injured in a collision will receive benefits through insurance, including:

• access to treatment such as physiotherapy, chiropractic or psychologist care that supports recovery,
• income replacement of up to $125,000 a year until retirement, and
• a permanent impairment benefit for serious, lasting injuries.

The right to sue becomes much narrower. Under Care-First, you can sue only if the at-fault driver is found guilty of certain serious offences, such as impaired driving, dangerous driving or fleeing police.

Source: Government of Alberta – Care-First auto insurance (published September 21, 2026). Checked November 9, 2026. More: our Care-First guide.

Alberta's two-year limitation period

Under Alberta's Limitations Act, most injury claims must be started within 2 years of when you knew, or ought to have known, about the injury and who caused it, and no later than 10 years after the claim arose. Some situations have different rules.

Source: Limitations Act, RSA 2000, c L-12, s. 3. Checked November 9, 2026.

Stricter bail and sentencing laws (Bill C-14)

The Bail and Sentencing Reform Act received Royal Assent on June 15, 2026, and its bail and sentencing changes came into force on July 15, 2026. According to the Department of Justice, the changes include:

• more cases where the accused must show why they should be released (reverse onus), aimed at repeat and violent offending,
• stricter bail for violent and organized crime, home invasion, car theft and human trafficking,
• limits on using a surety convicted of a serious offence in the past 10 years,
• consecutive sentences for violent auto theft, break and enter, extortion and arson, and
• new aggravating factors, such as crimes against first responders and transit workers.

Source: Department of Justice Canada – Canada's sweeping bail and sentencing reforms become law (June 16, 2026). Checked November 9, 2026.

The right to a lawyer without delay

Section 10(b) of the Charter gives anyone arrested or detained the right to retain and instruct a lawyer without delay, and to be told of that right. Police must also tell you about free legal aid and duty counsel.

Source: Department of Justice – Charter s. 10(b) (modified July 14, 2025). Checked November 9, 2026.

The Family Focused Protocol at the Court of King's Bench

Family cases in the Court of King's Bench across Alberta now follow the Family Focused Protocol. Before getting help from the Court, parties must complete these steps or get a waiver:

• the Parenting After Separation course,
• sharing financial disclosure for support and property,
• alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, and
• meeting a Family Court Counsellor, if you do not have a lawyer.

The protocol does not apply to family cases in the Alberta Court of Justice.

Source: LawNow (Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta) – Coming January 2026: The Family Focused Protocol (December 12, 2025). Checked November 9, 2026.

Updated federal child support tables

New Child Support Tables, based on 2023 tax rules, apply to support periods starting October 1, 2025. The Government of Alberta notes that the new tables do not automatically change existing orders, but a different amount may count as a change in circumstances.

Source: Government of Alberta – Changes to federal child support tables (published October 2, 2025). Checked November 9, 2026.