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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 1: Immigration to CanadaDIVISION 6: Detention and Release
§60

Minor children

Minor children

Detention
🍁 In Simple Terms

Canadian law recognizes that detaining children should be a last resort. Before detaining a minor, decision-makers must consider all other options and must always keep the child's best interests at the centre of the decision.

Affects: Persons subject to removal or detention
Legal Text — IRPA Section 60

60 For the purposes of this Division, it is affirmed as a principle that a minor child shall be detained only as a measure of last resort, taking into account the other applicable grounds and criteria including the best interests of the child.

In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada — IRPA s. 60 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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