The Liberal government has introduced new legislation aimed at tightening Canada’s border and immigration controls, while responding to mounting pressure from the United States over migration and fentanyl concerns. Titled Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, the proposed law grants sweeping new powers to immigration and security agencies and includes significant changes to existing legislation governing Canada’s borders, law enforcement, and national security.
Unveiled Tuesday by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the bill would allow officials to cancel, suspend, or modify immigration documents in the name of national security or public health. It also enables the government to pause new immigration applications and halt those already in progress if deemed necessary “in the public interest.”
In addition, the legislation allows expanded information-sharing between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other government agencies, and proposes stricter rules for asylum seekers and irregular border crossers. Under the new law, asylum claims must be made within one year of entering the country, or within 14 days for those entering between official ports of entry.
Minister Anandasangaree emphasized that the bill balances enhanced enforcement with the protection of civil liberties, stating it was “aligned with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” He also confirmed that the law addresses concerns raised by the United States, though he insisted the changes are not exclusively about U.S. relations.
The legislation is seen as part of Canada’s broader effort to calm diplomatic tensions with the Trump administration, which earlier this year imposed steep tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods over what it called an “uncontrolled flow” of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S. While the minister did not brief U.S. officials in advance of the bill’s introduction, he later spoke with U.S. border czar Tom Homan to outline its measures.
Bill C-2 also amends the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to provide greater oversight of precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of illicit drugs such as fentanyl. It aims to grant enforcement agencies faster and more decisive powers to block illegal importation and distribution.
The proposed law builds on previous Canadian initiatives, including round-the-clock surveillance of the border using drones, helicopters, and surveillance towers. With this legislation, the government hopes to demonstrate a firmer stance on border integrity, national security, and cross-border cooperation., particularly amid heightened scrutiny from Washington.
