Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, gives increased powers to Canada's security and intelligence services, expands the ability to open and inspect mail and allows officials to cancel or suspend immigration documents. The legislation changes a number of laws including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Oceans Act, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act. The proposed changes allows officials to cancel, suspend or change immigration documents immediately, pause the acceptance of new applications and cancel applications already in process if deemed in the public interest.
The changes also allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to share information more widely with different agencies within Canada, including police.
The legislation amends the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act to allow more control of chemicals used to make illegal drugs like fentanyl. Ottawa is also working with the U.S. on a North American "joint strike force" to target organized crime groups that work across borders. The bill would also amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Customs Act and the Criminal Code to improve intelligence and law enforcement agencies' ability to access information. The Canada Post Corporation Act will be ammended to remove barriers preventing police from searching mail when authorized to do so.
To crack down on money laundering, enforcement and penalties will increase, and restrictions will be placed on cash transactions over $10,000 and cash deposits by one individual into another's account.
