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Last verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: June 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 4: Immigration and Refugee BoardImmigration Appeal Division
§181

Exceptions to public hearing

Exceptions to public hearing

🍁 In Simple Terms

These inquiries are public. The judge can close part of one only after weighing every other option and being satisfied that there is a real risk to public security, a real risk to the fairness of the inquiry, or a serious possibility that someone's life, liberty or safety would be endangered.

Affects: Refugee claimants and protected persons
Legal Text: IRPA Section 181

(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.

In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada: IRPA s. 181 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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