The Canadian government’s introduction of Bill C-12 has been met with strong opposition from a coalition of civil liberties, human rights, and refugee advocacy groups. These organizations argue that the new bill not only fails to address issues identified in the earlier Bill C-2 but also exacerbates them. The coalition, spearheaded by Amnesty International, calls for the complete withdrawal of both Bill C-2 and Bill C-12, which combined form the Strong Borders Act. This act includes measures such as expanded border enforcement, cracking down on illegal fentanyl imports, and intensified financial surveillance, elements that Bill C-12 is meant to hasten.
Tim McSorley, national coordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, voiced concerns that Bill C-12 amplifies the problematic components of Bill C-2, further infringing on privacy and migrant rights. He stated that the government seems determined to advance these privacy-violating measures while accelerating restrictions affecting migrants and refugees.
The coalition, consisting of over 300 organizations including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Council for Refugees, emphasized the threat posed by these bills to vulnerable groups. Karen Cocq, spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network, pointed out that the rebranding of Bill C-2 as Bill C-12 is an attempt to bypass widespread opposition. She highlighted that the provisions allowing for blocking refugee hearings, retroactive immigration bars, and expansive deportation powers could disproportionately impact women escaping gender-based violence. More on the civil society’s response can be found at JURIST – News.
The political backdrop for these legislative moves includes pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Canada of weak border defenses and threatened tariffs, leading to the introduction of Bill C-2. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Carney, faces accusations of aligning with conservative, anti-migrant ideologies reminiscent of Trump-era policies.
Organizations voicing their opposition to Bill C-12 emphasize that despite its intention to build upon Bill C-2, it fails to remedy the serious human rights concerns associated with its predecessor. The expanded deportation powers and increased restrictions are viewed as measures that would only deepen existing societal inequalities and human rights violations, without offering tangible improvements to border security or public safety.