The Canadian Liberal government has decided to divide its border security bill into two separate parts to facilitate the passage of certain measures quickly while allowing Canadians more time to evaluate controversial aspects. The newly introduced Bill C-12 incorporates various provisions from a previous bill in June, focusing on expanding the Coast Guard’s responsibilities, enhancing immigration and refugee system controls, improving information sharing concerning sex offenders, and regulating chemicals used in illicit drug production.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirmed that the government remains committed to advancing the initial bill, C-2, which aims to grant authorities additional powers to conduct mail searches and access personal information. This strategic move will advance the federal border security proposals through Parliament on two distinct legislative paths, with Bill C-12 likely taking precedence.
Bill C-2 will subsequently progress through the legislative process, with components present in the new C-12 removed to prevent duplication. The government’s revised strategy, as initially reported by CBC News, has faced criticism from civil society groups opposing the proposed border measures due to concerns over potential infringements on liberties and human rights.
Tim McSorley, the national co-ordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, expressed dismay at the government’s decision to split the bills instead of addressing underlying issues. Meanwhile, Karen Cocq, a spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network, emphasized the need to withdraw the new bill, citing concerns about due process protections for vulnerable individuals.
Anandasangaree explained to reporters that revising Bill C-2 directly during the legislative process presented challenges due to strict amendment guidelines. The government initially introduced the legislation in response to pressures from the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, aiming to bolster border security, combat organized crime, curb the influx of fentanyl, and combat money laundering.
While the legislation garnered support from various sectors, including police chiefs and child protection advocates, over 300 civil society organizations urged Ottawa to retract the bill, citing potential threats to freedoms, refugee and migrant rights, and the privacy of Canadians. The minority government encountered difficulties in securing backing from opposition parties for the legislation.
Concerns from groups like the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group revolve around proposed changes that could impact asylum claims in Canada, grant Canada Post authority to inspect letter mail, and facilitate easier access to internet subscriber information and warrantless police access in urgent situations through amendments to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) regulations.
