Strong Borders Act
The Strong Borders Act also known as Bill C-2 was a proposed piece of legislation of the 45th Parliament of Canada. The legislation increases the scope of agencies to perform border enforcement and anti-trafficking measures. The legislation, furthermore, would bar those seeking asylum in Canada who have been in the country for over a year from having a hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Bill C-2 was introduced by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and supported by the Liberal Party of Canada under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney. Opposition came from the Conservative Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada due to the bill allowing for law enforcement to access user data and open mail without a warrant.
The bill was discarded due the opposition it faced and was reintroduced by Anandasangaree with amendments as Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act.
Contents of the bill
Bill C-2 proposed that those who are seeking asylum, and have been in the country over a year, are not allowed to have a hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board, which in effect also prevents them from obtaining work permits and health coverage. The bill also would have prevented asylum seekers who have been in Canada for more than 14 days from seeking asylum if they illegally crossed a US Border.Reception
Criticism
Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre opposed Bill C-2 and stated that it "attacks the freedoms and the privacy of Canadians". Opposition from both the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party, citing concerns with the powers it would grant law enforcement to access user data and open mail without a warrant, led to Liberal Minister of Public Safety Anandasangaree leaving the bill and reintroducing it as Bill C-12 with amendments.Bill C-2 has elicited controversy for its treatment of asylum seekers and critics argue it infringes on civil rights. The Canadian Council for Refugees has criticized the bill stating that the bill would make it impossible for many asylum seekers to have a hearing. The bill, in its current form, is argued that it will create a class of people who can neither have a hearing, because they have been in the country for over a year, nor be removed, because Canada has barred deportations to their native countries.
Professor Michael Geist stated that Bill C-2 risks "warrantless access to personal information and increased surveillance capabilities in Canadian networks".