Sean Fraser said he’s received advice and seen data to suggest that applicants are getting “a fair opportunity to make their case” when officials use Chinook, but will “continue to watch the use of these tools very closely.” He was responding to a question from The Logic at a press conference on Monday. (The Logic)

Talking point: Since 2018, case officers at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have been using Chinook, a software tool developed in-house without legal oversight, while reviewing applications for work and study permits and temporary-resident visas. Lawyers have pointed to a subsequent increase in refusal rates, and expressed concern that officials are failing to properly assess applications. On Monday, Fraser announced IRCC would expand the use of “advanced data analytics” for temporary-residence cases, but emphasized the system doesn’t make or recommend denials; the department has already awarded Accenture a contract to replace Chinook. “I have faith that the benefits [the system] are providing are well worth it, and potential drawbacks are things we can protect against,” he said. The new immigration minister also said IRCC will use technology to speed up processing of permanent-residence and citizenship applications and allow more applicants to check their status online.