Following a successful election win, Prime Minister Mark Carney wasted no time in introducing a border security bill, a key agenda for the Liberals to strengthen the northern border and enhance trade relations with the U.S.
However, after five months, trade negotiations have soured, and the bill has faced heavy public criticism, resulting in it being divided into two parts and facing demands for amendments.
The Liberals are now facing opposition parties questioning the bills, setting the stage for a challenging battle in the minority Parliament to fulfill their election pledge.
NDP MP Jenny Kwan labeled the situation as a “disaster” for the government.
As Canada hosts a G7 security ministers meeting in Ottawa this weekend, discussions are expected to touch on border security and immigration issues.
Here is the current status of the situation.
The Strong Borders Act, initially presented as Bill C-2 in response to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, included provisions to update surveillance powers, enhance asylum claim processes, and crack down on illicit drug production.
Additionally, over $1 billion has been allocated for bolstering border security, including investments in surveillance technology and increased staffing for law enforcement agencies.
While the bill received support from various stakeholders, it also faced backlash from over 300 civil society organizations concerned about potential infringements on rights and privacy.
The bill has been divided, with the new Bill C-12 focusing on specific border protection measures to expedite legislative progress, leaving contentious issues for later consideration.
Lawful access provisions remain a part of Bill C-2, while Bill C-12 is advancing separately through the legislative process.
The Conservatives and NDP have expressed reservations about both bills, hinting at potential parliamentary clashes in the coming months.
Conservative critic Michelle Rempel Garner aims to introduce significant amendments to Bill C-12, proposing stricter measures for asylum claimants and limitations on social benefits for failed claimants.
Rempel Garner emphasized the need for restoring faith in the immigration system and urged the government to adopt their proposed changes for the bill.
Meanwhile, the NDP’s Jenny Kwan criticized the bills for jeopardizing refugee rights and introducing stringent measures that could endanger lives.
The Liberals urged Conservative support for the bills, emphasizing the importance of updating outdated legislation to align with international standards on lawful access.
Conservative critic Frank Caputo raised concerns about insufficient consultation on privacy-related aspects of the bills, signaling potential amendments in the works.
The NDP reiterated their privacy and civil liberty concerns, stating their MPs would not endorse the legislation in its current form.
Although there is optimism about passing both bills, adjustments to the language may be necessary, with a target for Bill C-12 to be approved next year, followed by Bill C-2.