Liberals introduce bill proposing sweeping border security powers
Bill C-2 allows officials to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents in the 'public interest'
The Liberal government introduced sweeping new legislation Tuesday that it says will protect Canada's sovereignty, strengthen the border and keep Canadians safe.
Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, would give increased powers to Canada's security and intelligence services, expand the ability to open and inspect mail and allow officials to cancel or suspend immigration documents.
The legislation proposes changes to a number of laws including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Oceans Act, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, among others.
"We need to ensure Canada's law enforcement is equipped with the tools they need to stay ahead of organized crime groups and crack down on their illicit activities," Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said in Ottawa Tuesday.
"This is essential to maintaining the safety and security of our country … it is also a priority that we share with our neighbours."
The proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act give the government increased power over immigration documents in cases where public health or national security are at risk.
Specifically it allows officials to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents immediately, pause the acceptance of new applications and cancel applications already in process if deemed in the public interest.
The changes also allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to share information more widely with different agencies within Canada.
Asylum claims would also have to be made within a year of entering the country, including for students and temporary residents.
The immigration changes would also require irregular border crossers, people who enter Canada between official ports of entry, to make an asylum claim within 14 days of arriving in Canada.
The changes would also speed up voluntary departures by making removal orders effective the same day an asylum claim is withdrawn.
Placating the United States
In January, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and used the declaration to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico over what he said was an untenable flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States.
The Liberal government has since worked to persuade the Trump administration that Canada is acting to stem the southbound flow of drugs and migrants.
Anandasangaree said Tuesday that Bill C-2 was drafted to contain "elements that will strengthen the relationship" between Canada and the U.S.
"There are a number of items in the bill that have been irritants for the U.S. so we are addressing some of those issues," he said. "But it's not exclusively about the United States."
The minister said he did not brief the U.S. border czar, Tom Homan, about the changes before introducing the bill but CBC News can confirm he did speak with Homan later Tuesday to provide details of the plan.
The throne speech promised legislation to bolster security at Canada's borders and new tools for police and intelligence agencies to help them stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors.
The Strong Borders Act fulfils that pledge by proposing to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to allow more control of chemicals used to make illegal drugs like fentanyl.
"This will allow law and border enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent their illegal importation and use, and to ensure strict federal oversight over any legitimate use of these chemicals," the Public Safety Ministry said in a statement.
This bill builds on earlier Canadian measures, including round-the-clock surveillance of the border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers.
Ottawa is also working with Washington on a North American "joint strike force" to target organized crime groups that work across borders.
New role for the coast guard
In a move that gives the Canadian Coast Guard an active surveillance and security role, Bill C-2 proposes amending the Oceans Act to enable the agency to conduct "security activities" designed to "strengthen sovereignty and maritime domain awareness, particularly in remote Arctic waters."
The changes to the Canadian Coast Guard would allow the agency to "collect, analyze and share information and intelligence for security purposes."
The bill would also amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Customs Act and the Criminal Code to improve intelligence and law enforcement agencies' ability to access information. And it would require shippers and warehouse operators to provide access to their premises to inspect goods for export, something already required for goods being imported into Canada.
Other measures in Bill C-2 include:
- Amending the Canada Post Corporation Act to remove barriers preventing police from searching mail when authorized to do so in the course of a criminal investigation.
- Ensuring electronic service providers, which officials explained meant entities that hold subscription information, retain data so it can be lawfully provided to law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
- Amending the Sex Offender Information Registration Act to allow the Mounties to share information with international partners.
- Crack down on money laundering by strengthening enforcement and penalties, and by putting restrictions on cash transactions over $10,000 and cash deposits by one individual into another's account.
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