I'll just give a brief overview of clauses 170 and 171.
Clause 170 would repeal the existing fee-making authority in section 27 of the Citizenship Act and replace it with broadened authority, permitting the Governor in Council to make regulations governing fees for services provided in the administration of the Citizenship Act in cases in which those fees may be waived by the minister. Existing fees made under the act shall continue to operate following the coming into force of the new authority.
The proposed amendments would ensure that CIC can recover costs for enhanced and modernized services to be provided to clients beyond the cost that can currently be recovered under the Citizenship Act.
Clause 171 would exempt fees for services provided in the administration of the act from the application of the User Fees Act. The fees would continue to be subject to the Financial Administration Act requirements, notably that a fee for service must not exceed the cost of providing the service. There is an extensive process associated with conducting consultations in the manner prescribed under the UFA, which can take years.