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Last verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 3: Enforcement
§146

Certificates

Certificates

🍁 In Simple Terms

If you owe money under this law and do not pay, the Minister can certify the debt, right away if it looks like you are dodging payment, otherwise after 30 days in default. Once registered in the Federal Court, that certificate acts like a court judgment, with interest running until the day you pay.

Affects: Persons subject to removal or detention
Legal Text: IRPA Section 146

(1)An amount or part of an amount payable under this Act that has not been paid may be certified by the Minister (a)without delay, if the Minister is of the opinion that the person liable for that amount is attempting to avoid payment; and (b)in any other case, on the expiration of 30 days after the default.

Minister of Employment and Social Development

(1.1)When a penalty is imposed as a result of the Minister of Employment and Social Development exercising a power conferred on him or her by regulation made under paragraph 32(d.4), that Minister is responsible for the recovery of the debt referred to in paragraph 145(1)(b.1).

Judgments

(2)The certificate is to be filed and registered in the Federal Court and, when registered, has the same force and effect, and all proceedings may be taken, as if the certificate were a judgment obtained in the Court for a debt of the amount specified in the certificate plus interest to the day of payment.

Costs

(3)The costs of registering the certificate are recoverable in the same manner as if they had been included in the certificate.

In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada: IRPA s. 146 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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