Skip to main content
Last verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 3: Enforcement
§145

Debts due

Debts due

🍁 In Simple Terms

Certain amounts owed under this Act, including costs the government paid on someone's behalf, deposits or guarantees of performance, removal costs for a foreign national, and court-ordered payments, are treated as federal debts and must be repaid to the government on demand.

Affects: Persons subject to removal or detention
Legal Text: IRPA Section 145

(1)The following amounts are debts due to Her Majesty in right of Canada payable on demand: (a)a debt incurred by Her Majesty for which any person is liable under this Act; (b)an amount that a person has agreed to pay as a deposit or guarantee of performance of an obligation under this Act; (b.1)the amount of a penalty imposed under any regulation made under paragraph 32(d.4); (c)the costs incurred in removing a prescribed foreign national from Canada; (d)an amount that is ordered to be paid under section 147 on account of an unpaid liability; and (e)an amount referred to in paragraph 148(1)(g).

Debts due — sponsors

(2)Subject to any federal-provincial agreement, an amount that a sponsor is required to pay under the terms of an undertaking is payable on demand to Her Majesty in right of Canada and Her Majesty in right of the province concerned and may be recovered by Her Majesty in either or both of those rights.

Recovery of debt

(3)A debt may be recovered at any time.

Cross-References
In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada: IRPA s. 145 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
Explore More Sections
Browse all 296 sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Explore More Sections