The federal Liberals are preparing to introduce a new bill that is anticipated to closely resemble their existing border legislation. However, this new bill will exclude certain clauses that had raised concerns from opposition parties and civil liberties groups. The upcoming bill, set to be presented this week, is a response to criticisms that the Strong Borders Act, also known as Bill C-2, oversteps its intended objectives and encroaches on the freedoms of Canadians, as per sources familiar with the matter.
Sources reveal that the government is on the verge of unveiling a second bill that will pave the way for the passage of the government’s proposed border security measures through Parliament. This new bill will omit the contentious clauses that permitted Canada Post to open mail and granted law enforcement access to specific digital data. The sources providing this information are not being named by CBC News due to lack of authorization to disclose details.
Bill C-2, introduced in June, encompasses enhanced powers for law enforcement and government, focusing on combating money laundering, imposing stricter constraints on refugee claims, and facilitating easier information sharing among agencies. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the bill’s sponsor, had previously mentioned that the legislation was partly a response to concerns from the United States about the porosity of the Canadian border.
Following the introduction of Bill C-2, concerns were raised by privacy and civil liberties experts regarding the extensive 100+ page document. While the bill includes measures long sought by law enforcement agencies, some of these provisions appear unrelated to border security, according to experts in the field.
Various opposition parties, including the NDP and Conservatives, have expressed apprehensions about potential overreach within the bill. Both parties have indicated their unwillingness to support the bill in its current state, raising doubts about its passage in a minority Parliament. This development poses an additional challenge for Anandasangaree, who is already facing calls for resignation over his remarks questioning the Liberal government’s gun buyback program.
The new bill is expected to be listed on the notice paper imminently, paving the way for its introduction in the House of Commons later this week, according to insider sources.
