Canada has built its international reputation on fairness, protection of human rights, and a well-structured immigration system that allows people to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. But today, that reputation is under serious threat. The federal government’s newly proposed Bill C-2, known as the “Strong Borders Act,” is raising alarm across the country. Far from ensuring safety or efficiency, this sweeping legislation could severely damage the Canada immigration system by stripping away refugee protections, undermining privacy rights, and giving the government unchecked authority to cancel immigration status without due process.
It is not just about changing the rules it’s about redefining who gets protection, whose rights matter, and how far the state can go in monitoring its residents. Over 300 civil society groups, lawyers, refugee advocates, and privacy experts have come together in a rare moment of collective resistance, calling Bill C-2 a dangerous overreach that could erode decades of legal safeguards. This is more than a policy change; it’s a potential turning point for Canadian democracy, human rights, and the future of immigration in the country.
This bill is not only about migrants it affects all residents. It proposes mass data collection, surveillance, and warrantless access to Canadians’ digital footprints.
Bill C-2 Key Concerns Include
- Mass surveillance without warrants: CSIS and police could demand access to your online service use, login history, and account duration—no court order required.
- Lower standards for personal data access: Law enforcement would only need “reasonable suspicion” (not current legal standards) to access encrypted emails and browsing history.
- Corporate spying: Businesses could be forced to record and hand over private user data. They would be immune from lawsuits, even if they over-disclose your information.
- International data sharing: The bill paves the way for Canada to align with the U.S. CLOUD Act and Budapest Convention protocols, exposing your information to foreign agencies with minimal safeguards.
These proposals amount to the most significant rollback of privacy rights in Canada in over a decade.
A Policy That Could Worsen Vulnerability and Exploitation
Migrant advocacy groups warn that the bill’s deportation powers could push more people into dangerous conditions, without legal recourse or access to protection.
With over 1.2 million people already unable to renew their immigration status due to recent cuts and delays, granting sweeping cancellation powers will only deepen existing backlogs and increase human suffering.
This bill also disproportionately harms survivors of gender-based violence, many of whom rely on Canada’s asylum system to escape abuse. According to over 40 women’s rights organizations, the bill fails to account for trauma, delayed disclosure, or legal hurdles faced by survivors.
Canada’s Global Standing on Human Rights Is at Stake
As highlighted by Amnesty International and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the right to seek asylum is enshrined in international law.
Canada’s decision to strip these protections would signal a retreat from its humanitarian obligations and place it closer to more hostile immigration policies—something experts say will erode the moral authority of the Canada immigration system.
Legal scholars also argue that Bill C-2 directly contradicts the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. By introducing retroactive penalties, eliminating fair hearings, and sanctioning unchecked government power, it invites constitutional challenges and public backlash.
Summary of Opposition to Bill C-2
Here’s a snapshot of how major voices across Canada are responding:
| Organization | Key Concern |
| FCJ Refugee Centre | Mass deportation without legal process |
| Amnesty International | Refugee rights and global credibility at risk |
| Canadian Council for Refugees | Charter violations and lack of due process |
| Barbra Schlifer Clinic | Ignoring survivors of abuse |
| OpenMedia | Dismantling privacy protections |
| OCASI | Unsafe for vulnerable claimants |
| Canadian Civil Liberties Association | Expansion of surveillance powers |
A joint statement led by the Migrant Rights Network, Canadian Council for Refugees, and other coalitions has been signed by over 300 organizations, urging Parliament to immediately withdraw Bill C-2.
If passed, this bill could alter the foundation of the Canadian immigration system, replacing fairness with fear and transparency with secrecy.
Bill C-2 Endangers the Canada Immigration System
As it stands, Bill C-2 could permanently damage the credibility and fairness of the Canada immigration system. By merging enforcement with surveillance and stripping migrants of protections, the bill goes against everything Canada is known for. Now is the time to raise awareness, demand clarity, and protect the rights of all before it’s too late.
Leave a Reply