Key Takeaways
• Bill C-2, introduced June 3, 2025, aims to enhance Canada-U.S. border security and asylum rules.
• New laws restrict asylum claims after June 24, 2020, with a 14-day filing window for U.S. land crossings.
• Bill C-2 expands surveillance powers, bans cash transactions over $10,000, and increases cooperation with U.S. agencies.
On June 3, 2025, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-2, a major piece of legislation aimed at changing how Canada 🇨🇦 handles border security, asylum claims, and law enforcement powers. Known officially as the Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2 is already drawing strong reactions from supporters and critics alike. The government says it is necessary to protect Canada’s borders and fight crime, but many experts and advocacy groups warn that it could go too far, threatening privacy, human rights, and the country’s reputation for fairness.
What Is Bill C-2 and Why Was It Introduced?
Bill C-2, called “An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures,” is a 139-page law proposal. It was introduced in the House of Commons by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. The government says the bill is needed to:
- Strengthen border security against organized crime and illegal activities
- Update Canada’s border enforcement tools to keep up with new threats
- Respond to concerns from the United States 🇺🇸 about cross-border crime and irregular migration
The bill is part of a larger strategy that includes investments in surveillance technology, such as drones and helicopters, and closer cooperation with U.S. authorities.
Where Does Bill C-2 Stand Now?
As of June 5, 2025, Bill C-2 has passed its first reading in the House of Commons and is at the second reading stage. This means it is being debated by Members of Parliament, but it is not yet law. For Bill C-2 to become law, it must:
- Pass three readings in the House of Commons
- Pass three readings in the Senate
- Receive royal assent from the Governor General
This process gives time for public debate, expert testimony, and possible changes to the bill before it is finalized.
What Are the Main Changes Proposed by Bill C-2?
Bill C-2 covers a wide range of topics, but the most important and controversial changes fall into four main areas: border security, asylum system restrictions, data collection and privacy, and financial crime measures.
1. Border Security Measures
Bill C-2 gives new powers to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other agencies. Some of the key changes include:
- Border officers can enter and inspect premises controlled by transporters (like trucking companies) and warehouse operators. This means they can check goods and containers more easily.
- CBSA can search containers leaving Canada by requiring transporters and warehouse operators to let them onto their property for export inspections.
- The Canadian Coast Guard can conduct security patrols and share information for security purposes.
- These changes build on a previous $1.3 billion investment in border enforcement infrastructure.
The government says these steps are needed to stop organized crime, drug smuggling, and other illegal activities at the border.
2. Asylum System Restrictions
Some of the most debated parts of Bill C-2 are the new rules for people seeking asylum in Canada 🇨🇦. The bill would:
- Make people ineligible for refugee protection if they entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and waited more than one year to make their claim.
- Give only 14 days to file an asylum claim for people who cross from the United States 🇺🇸 on foot between official ports of entry.
- Close a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement by blocking asylum claims made more than 14 days after someone crossed into Canada from the U.S. by land, even if they did not use an official border crossing.
These changes would affect thousands of people, including many international students who became asylum seekers after the government reduced foreign study permits last year.
3. Data Collection and Privacy Concerns
Bill C-2 also includes new powers for law enforcement and border agencies to collect and share information. The bill would:
- Allow interception and searching of communications, including mail, in certain situations.
- Let police search mail for criminal investigations by changing the Canada Post Corporation Act.
- Permit law enforcement to seize information without a warrant in urgent, time-sensitive cases.
- Increase intelligence sharing between federal agencies.
- Include “lawful access” provisions that could allow warrantless access to information about Internet subscribers.
Privacy experts warn that these measures could threaten Canadians’ privacy and civil liberties, especially since some of these powers are not directly related to border security.
4. Financial Crime Measures
To fight money laundering and terrorist financing, Bill C-2 would:
- Ban cash transactions over $10,000
- Limit cash deposits by one person into another person’s account
- Give authorities new tools to investigate and stop financial crimes
The government argues that these steps are needed to stop criminals from using Canada’s financial system to hide illegal money.
Why Are People Worried About Bill C-2?
Human Rights Concerns
Groups like Amnesty International Canada say Bill C-2 is “an attack on refugees’ right to seek asylum.” They argue that the new rules would make it much harder for people fleeing danger to get protection in Canada 🇨🇦. The retroactive rule—making people ineligible if they waited more than a year to claim asylum—could leave many people without any way to stay safe.
Privacy and Civil Liberties
Privacy advocates, including well-known expert Michael Geist, are alarmed by the bill’s surveillance powers. Geist says the government is “burying lawful access provisions in a new border bill” that have “nothing to do with border safety or security but raise privacy and civil liberties concerns.” He points out that police and security agencies have tried for years to get these powers, and now they are being included in a bill about border security.
Government Response
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree insists that Bill C-2 includes “necessary safeguards” to protect rights and freedoms. He says the bill is in line with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that the government has tried to “strike the balance” between security and liberty.
U.S. Relations and Political Context
Although the government does not say Bill C-2 is a direct response to pressure from the United States 🇺🇸, it is clear that U.S. concerns have played a role. President Trump has previously threatened tariffs on Canadian goods, citing worries about fentanyl and irregular migration. Minister Anandasangaree has admitted that some parts of the bill address “irritants for the US,” though he says the bill is not only about the United States.
How Will Bill C-2 Affect Different Groups?
Asylum Seekers
If Bill C-2 becomes law, many people who might have qualified for refugee protection will be blocked from making a claim. The retroactive rule means that anyone who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and waited more than a year to claim asylum will be ineligible. People who cross from the United States 🇺🇸 between official border points will have just 14 days to file a claim.
Those who are ruled ineligible will still have access to a “pre-removal risk assessment.” This is a process to check if someone would face harm if sent back to their home country. However, this process offers less protection than the full refugee system.
Privacy and Civil Liberties
The new powers for law enforcement to access communications and data without a warrant could affect anyone in Canada 🇨🇦. Critics say these changes could set a dangerous precedent, making it easier for the government to collect information on people without proper oversight.
Employers and Transporters
Companies that move goods across the border, such as trucking firms and warehouse operators, will face new rules. They will have to let border officers onto their property for inspections and could be subject to more frequent checks.
Financial Institutions
Banks and other financial institutions will need to follow stricter rules on cash transactions and deposits. This could mean more paperwork and reporting requirements, but it is meant to stop money laundering and terrorist financing.
Canada-U.S. Relations
Bill C-2 is likely to improve cooperation with the United States 🇺🇸 on border security and crime. The bill comes as both countries work together on a North American “joint strike force” to fight cross-border organized crime. However, some worry that Canada 🇨🇦 is giving up too much control over its own policies to satisfy U.S. demands.
What Happens Next?
Bill C-2 still has a long way to go before it becomes law. It must pass more readings in the House of Commons, then go through the Senate, and finally receive royal assent. During this process, Members of Parliament and Senators can suggest changes or amendments to the bill.
Given the strong criticism from human rights groups, privacy experts, and opposition parties, it is likely that some parts of the bill will be debated and possibly changed. The government has included provisions that allow for regulatory exceptions, which means they could adjust how some rules are applied in response to feedback or practical problems.
What Should People Do Now?
If you are an asylum seeker, employer, or anyone affected by border security rules, it is important to:
- Stay informed about the progress of Bill C-2 through Parliament
- Consult official government resources for updates and guidance. The Government of Canada’s official page on border security provides the latest information.
- Seek legal advice if you think you might be affected by the new rules, especially if you are planning to make an asylum claim or work in cross-border transportation
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
- Asylum Seekers: If you entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and have not yet made a refugee claim, consider doing so as soon as possible. The new rules could make you ineligible if you wait too long.
- Employers and Transporters: Review your security and compliance procedures. Make sure you are ready to cooperate with CBSA inspections and understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Privacy Advocates and Civil Society Groups: Continue to monitor the bill’s progress and raise concerns with lawmakers if you believe the bill threatens rights or freedoms.
- General Public: Stay aware of how changes to border security and privacy laws could affect you and your community.
Looking Ahead
Bill C-2 is one of the most important and controversial immigration and border security bills in recent years. It touches on sensitive issues like asylum, privacy, and Canada’s relationship with the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the bill’s progress will be closely watched by many groups, and its final form could look different from the current draft.
The debate over Bill C-2 shows how hard it can be to balance security with fairness and freedom. While the government argues that strong borders are needed to keep Canada 🇨🇦 safe, critics warn that going too far could hurt the country’s values and the people who need protection most.
For those affected, the best approach is to stay informed, seek advice, and be ready for changes. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Canada’s border security and immigration system.
Learn Today
Bill C-2 → A Canadian legislative proposal enhancing border security and asylum regulations, introduced in 2025.
Canada Border Services Agency → Federal agency responsible for border enforcement and customs inspections in Canada.
Safe Third Country Agreement → A treaty between Canada and the U.S. that limits asylum claims at irregular border crossings.
Royal Assent → Formal approval from the Governor General needed to enact Canadian legislation into law.
Pre-removal Risk Assessment → A process to evaluate risks before a person is deported to their country of origin.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada’s Bill C-2 proposes strengthened border security, stricter asylum rules, broader surveillance powers, and financial crime controls. Debates focus on privacy, human rights, and U.S. relations, highlighting tensions between security and fairness in immigration reform.
— By VisaVerge.com
