The federal Liberals are preparing to introduce a new bill that is anticipated to reflect much of the content of their existing border legislation but with certain contentious clauses removed, addressing concerns raised by opposition parties and civil liberties groups. The new bill, expected to be presented this week, is a response to criticisms that the Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, goes beyond its intended objectives and encroaches on the freedoms of Canadians, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Multiple sources have indicated that the government is ready to introduce a follow-up bill that will facilitate the passage of the government’s proposed border security measures through Parliament, omitting the controversial clauses that allowed Canada Post to open mail and permitted law enforcement to access specific digital data. The sources providing this information have not been named by CBC News due to the lack of authorization to disclose details.
Bill C-2, introduced in June, includes enhanced powers for law enforcement and government, focusing on combating money laundering, imposing stringent limits on refugee claims, and enabling easier information sharing among agencies. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the bill’s sponsor, previously stated that the legislation was partially in response to complaints from the United States about the perceived porosity of the Canadian border.
The initial round of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada was justified by claims of weak border enforcement, leading to a $1.3-billion border crackdown by Canadian officials. However, privacy and civil liberties experts raised concerns upon reviewing the lengthy legislation, noting that it contained provisions requested by law enforcement agencies that did not seem directly related to border security.
All opposition parties have expressed reservations about potential overreach in the bill. Both the NDP and Conservatives have indicated their unwillingness to support the legislation in its current form, raising uncertainties about its passage in a minority Parliament. This development adds to existing challenges for Anandasangaree, who is facing calls for resignation over remarks that seemed to question the Liberal government’s gun buyback program.
The new bill is anticipated to be listed on the notice paper shortly, paving the way for its introduction in the House of Commons later this week, as per insider information.
