The Canadian government has decided to divide its border security legislation into two separate bills to expedite the approval process for certain measures while offering Canadians more time to assess the more contentious aspects. On Wednesday, Bill C-12 was presented, incorporating various provisions from a prior bill introduced in June to bolster the Coast Guard’s functions, strengthen the immigration and refugee system, improve information sharing on sex offenders, and regulate chemicals used in illicit drug production.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree confirmed that the government remains committed to advancing the first bill, C-2, which aims to grant authorities expanded search powers over mail and personal data. Consequently, the proposed federal border security measures will progress through Parliament via two distinct legislative pathways, with Bill C-12 likely taking precedence.
Bill C-2 will subsequently navigate the legislative process, with components overlapping with Bill C-12 eliminated to prevent duplication. This new strategy, as initially reported by CBC News on Monday, has faced criticism from civil society organizations opposing the border-related proposals due to concerns about potential infringements on liberties and human rights.
Tim McSorley, the national co-ordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group in Ottawa, expressed dismay at the government’s decision to split the bills instead of addressing the underlying issues. He emphasized the need for both bills to be withdrawn entirely. Similarly, Karen Cocq from the Migrant Rights Network insisted that the revised bill, akin to its predecessor, would jeopardize due process rights for vulnerable individuals and should be retracted.
Anandasangaree explained to journalists on Wednesday that revising Bill C-2 during the legislative process posed challenges due to stringent amendment guidelines. The government initially introduced the legislation in June to safeguard borders, combat organized crime, curb the influx of lethal fentanyl, and tackle money laundering, partly in response to pressures from the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
While the legislation garnered support from various entities like Canada’s law enforcement heads and child protection advocates, over 300 civil society groups urged Ottawa to withdraw the bill, citing concerns about potential threats to freedoms, refugee and migrant rights, and Canadians’ privacy. The minority government encountered difficulties in securing necessary backing from opposition parties for the legislation.
The International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group raised concerns about proposed legislative changes that could impede asylum claims in Canada and grant Canada Post authority to inspect letter mail. Additionally, reservations were voiced about proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act that could facilitate easier access to information about internet users and permit warrantless police entry in urgent situations.
