Title: Liberals Unveil Second Border Bill to Expedite Passage of Key Measures

The Liberal government has introduced a second border security bill, aiming to expedite the passage of certain measures while allowing more time for public scrutiny of more controversial provisions. Bill C-12, presented on Wednesday, incorporates several elements from a previous bill, including expanding the Coast Guard's responsibilities, tightening the immigration and refugee system, enhancing information sharing on sex offenders, and improving control over chemicals used in illicit drug production.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that the government will continue to pursue the first bill, known as C-2, which seeks to grant authorities new powers to search mail and access personal information. This strategy allows the federal border security proposals to advance through Parliament on two separate legislative paths, with Bill C-12 expected to progress first. Elements from Bill C-2 that overlap with C-12 will be removed to prevent duplication.

The government's decision has faced criticism from civil society groups, who argue that the proposed measures threaten individual liberties and human rights. Tim McSorley, national coordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, expressed his discontent, stating, "It's really outrageous that the government has refused to actually fix anything and have instead just split it into two separate bills. Both bills need to be withdrawn."

Karen Cocq, a spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network, echoed these concerns, asserting that the new bill, like its predecessor, would infringe upon due process protections for vulnerable populations and should also be withdrawn.

Anandasangaree explained that he chose not to revise Bill C-2 during the legislative process due to strict guidelines that complicate amendments. The government previously indicated that the legislation aims to secure borders, combat transnational organized crime, curb the flow of fentanyl, and address money laundering. This initial bill was introduced in response to pressure from the U.S. administration, which raised concerns about irregular migration and the trafficking of fentanyl.

The legislation has garnered support from various stakeholders, including police chiefs, the national fentanyl czar, and child protection advocates. However, over 300 civil society organizations have called for the withdrawal of the bill, citing threats to freedoms, refugee and migrant rights, and the privacy of Canadians.

The minority government has also struggled to gain necessary backing from opposition parties for the legislation. Anandasangaree noted that discussions over the summer with various groups and parliamentarians informed the decision to introduce a second bill that separates the more contentious elements of Bill C-2, facilitating a quicker passage.

Concerns remain regarding legislative proposals that could restrict asylum claims in Canada and grant Canada Post the authority to open and search mail. Additionally, there are apprehensions about changes to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) laws that would ease access to information about internet subscribers and allow warrantless police access in urgent situations. McSorley emphasized that the potential for amendments to either bill does not alleviate their concerns, stating, "The idea that amendments to either of these bills, including the original C-2, could fix things, doesn't change anything for us."