Overview
- Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree introduced Bill C-12 to advance border, immigration and anti-fentanyl measures while dropping surveillance and mail‑search provisions from the earlier package.
- The original Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, remains on a separate track, with the government saying it will still seek its passage despite diminished political backing.
- C-12 expands Coast Guard security roles, increases CBSA access to export facilities, accelerates controls on precursor chemicals and strengthens FINTRAC’s supervisory collaboration and penalties.
- Conservatives and the NDP had opposed C-2 over Charter and privacy concerns, and Conservatives signalled they will study the revised bill before deciding on support.
- Refugee advocates say C-12 retains tighter asylum rules and broader powers to cancel or suspend status that they argue undermine due process.