The federal Liberals are preparing to introduce a new bill that is anticipated to have similarities with their existing border legislation, but with the removal of certain controversial clauses that raised concerns among opposition parties and civil liberties groups. The upcoming bill, expected to be presented this week, is a response to criticisms surrounding the Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, which was perceived to overreach its intended objectives and impinge on the freedoms of Canadians, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Several sources have indicated that the government is ready to unveil a follow-up bill that will pave the way for the passage of the government’s proposed border security measures through Parliament. This new bill will omit contentious clauses that permitted Canada Post to inspect mail and law enforcement to access specific digital data. The sources providing this information remain unnamed as they are not authorized to disclose details.
Bill C-2, introduced in June, encompasses enhanced powers for law enforcement and government, aiming to combat money laundering, impose stricter regulations on refugee claims, and facilitate information sharing among agencies. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the bill’s sponsor, had previously stated that the legislation was partly in response to complaints from the United States about the perceived porosity of the Canadian border.
Following the introduction of the bill, privacy and civil liberties experts highlighted various measures within the lengthy document that were long sought by law enforcement agencies but appeared unrelated to border security. Opposition parties, including the NDP and Conservatives, expressed apprehensions regarding potential overreach and announced their refusal to support the bill in its current form. This opposition raises uncertainties about the bill’s passage in a minority Parliament.
The anticipated new bill is set to be added to the notice paper imminently, with plans for it to be tabled in the House of Commons later this week, as per insider information.