The federal Liberals are preparing to introduce a new bill that is anticipated to align closely with their current border legislation, but with certain contentious clauses removed following concerns raised by opposition parties and civil liberties organizations. This upcoming bill, slated for introduction this week, is a response to criticisms that the Strong Borders Act, known as Bill C-2, exceeds its intended scope and encroaches on the rights of Canadians, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Multiple sources have indicated that the government is on the verge of unveiling a separate bill that will facilitate the passage of the government’s proposed border security measures through Parliament. Notably, this new bill will exclude the controversial provisions that allowed Canada Post to inspect mail and permitted law enforcement to access specific digital data. The sources providing this information have opted to remain anonymous due to a lack of authorization to disclose details.
Bill C-2, which was introduced in June, encompasses enhanced powers for law enforcement and government agencies. It includes measures to combat money laundering, impose stricter controls on refugee claims, and streamline information sharing among agencies. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the bill’s sponsor, previously stated that the legislation was partly crafted in response to complaints from the United States regarding perceived vulnerabilities along the Canadian border.
Following its introduction, experts in privacy and civil liberties noted that the extensive 100+ page bill featured provisions that had long been sought by law enforcement entities but appeared disconnected from direct border security concerns. Opposition parties, including the NDP and Conservatives, voiced apprehensions about potential government overreach and indicated they would not endorse the bill in its current configuration, raising doubts on how C-2 could advance in a minority Parliament.
This development marks another setback for Anandasangaree, who is already under pressure amid calls for his resignation over remarks that seemed to challenge the government’s gun buyback initiative. The new bill is anticipated to be listed on the notice paper shortly, paving the way for its formal presentation in the House of Commons later this week, according to inside sources.