Hi - failure to appear for removal is grounds for the issuance of a Canada wide warrant for arrest. When the H&C decision-maker looks at the application this will not be a positive consideration, but whether or not it swings the metre negatively depends on all of the factors present.
Canada-wide warrants are funny things and outside of the CBSA looking for you, it's the regular police that should become a worry for anyone who is subject to the arrest warrant. Experienced police officers in major metropolitan centres will be used to an immigration Canada-wide warrant and simply arrest the person. Rural cops.., well these are usually issued for people accused of major crimes.
I think that people forget that all of these people work for the public. If you're actively delaying your lawful removal from Canada then you'll run the risk of being locked up. Even if you're not locked up the CBSA then has an excuse to escort your forcible removal from Canada. If you ever do look to return then the Authority to Return to Canada (ARC) becomes a much bumpier ride.
If you have no concerns about arriving home in chains or ever being able to return to Canada without considerable delay or a complete denial, then being the subject of a warrant for arrest may not be such a big deal. I'd note for greater clarity that experienced escort officers will usually agree to remove the chains for cooperative deportees upon arrival.
It's a tough spot to be in, but failing to appear for a proceeding or removal carries risks that often play out with some sort of enforcement action. The CBSA needs it statistics and this is what they do for a living.
