Bill C-2 Unveiled: Canada’s New Immigration Policy to Strengthen Borders and Reform Asylum

The Canadian government introduced Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, in order to strengthen borders and rebuild Canada’s asylum system. The Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, announced that the legislation’s intent was aimed at providing law enforcement with better tools to tackle transnational organised crime, trafficking of illegal fentanyl and money laundering.

Primary Actions to Improve Border Security

Changes to the Customs Act will require operators at points of entry and exit to facilitate Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) inspections while allowing them access to use their facilities as directed to conduct examinations and detain goods.

The Oceans Act will be revised to expand Canadian Coast Guard activities to include security patrols, intelligence gathering and enhanced maritime domain awareness with a focus on the Arctic.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be given increased powers to share information on registered sex offenders with partners domestically and internationally.

Reforming Asylum and Immigration Policies

A major reform imposes a new time limit on asylum claims, and now asylum applicants who came to Canada on or after June 24, 2020, and who apply after one year, will no longer be eligible.

Asylum seekers crossing irregularly from the US, which is outside a designated port, will also not have the 14-day period to file their claims, which will affect their eligibility.

The federal cabinet has newly expanded powers to suspend and refuse immigration applications and to amend or cancel immigration documents.

Better data sharing between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other entities will improve the integrity of the immigration system.

Fighting Organized Crime and Money Laundering

Through the bill, the Government of Canada intends to reinforce the controls governing precursor chemicals used to produce illegal drugs as well as increase law enforcement access to digital communications and mail.

As part of the bill, anti-money laundering solutions will be enhanced, including a limitation on cash transaction amounts and investigations between Canadian law enforcement agencies.

The Strong Borders Act addresses increasing migration pressures and expanding security threats with the goal of ensuring Canada is safer and more secure. Critics warn that the Act may limit access to protections and rights for refugees and affect vulnerable populations. The bill will now go through the parliamentary reading process before being enacted into law.