The federal Liberals are preparing to present a new bill that is expected to closely resemble their existing border legislation, albeit with certain contentious clauses removed following criticism from opposition parties and civil liberties groups. The forthcoming bill, anticipated to be unveiled this week, aims to address concerns surrounding the Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, which has been accused of exceeding its intended scope and encroaching on the freedoms of Canadians. Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that the government is readying a companion bill to facilitate the passage of the proposed border security measures through Parliament, sans the controversial provisions that permitted Canada Post to inspect mail and authorized law enforcement to access specific digital data.
The individuals privy to this information have opted to remain anonymous due to lack of authorization to disclose details. Bill C-2, introduced in June, encompasses enhanced powers for law enforcement and governmental agencies, including measures to combat money laundering, impose stricter regulations on refugee claims, and facilitate information sharing among agencies. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the bill’s proponent, cited concerns raised by the United States about weak border controls as a motivating factor behind the legislation. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada, attributing it to lax border enforcement, prompted a significant $1.3 billion border enforcement initiative by Canadian authorities.
Upon its introduction, experts in privacy and civil liberties noted that the extensive legislation, spanning over 100 pages, encompassed provisions that were long sought after by law enforcement entities but appeared tangential to border security concerns. All opposition parties voiced apprehensions about potential overreach, with both the NDP and Conservatives indicating their reluctance to endorse the bill in its current form, raising doubts about its passage in a minority Parliament. This development poses a further challenge for Anandasangaree, who is already under pressure following controversies related to his remarks on the Liberal government’s gun buyback program.
The imminent unveiling of the new bill, expected to be listed on the notice paper shortly, paves the way for its presentation in the House of Commons later this week.