A coalition of over 300 civil liberties, data privacy, refugee, migrant rights, and gender justice organizations, spearheaded by Amnesty International, has strongly criticized the Canadian government for its recent introduction of Bill C-12. This bill, which is seen as an extension of the controversial Bill C-2, is accused of failing to address critical human rights and refugee protection issues.

The coalition is urging the complete withdrawal of both Bill C-2 and Bill C-12, collectively known as the Strong Borders Act. According to Tim McSorley, national coordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG), "Bill C-12 does not fix Bill C-2; it fast tracks some of the most egregious aspects, while still moving forward with the rest." He expressed concern that the government remains committed to implementing privacy-violating measures from Bill C-2 and is using Bill C-12 to expedite restrictions on migrant and refugee rights.

Critics argue that the legislation will exacerbate the toxic drug supply crisis and expand deportation powers, which could put women fleeing gender-based violence at greater risk. Karen Cocq, a spokesperson for the Migrant Rights Network, stated, "The government is trying to skirt around the overwhelming opposition to C-2 by repackaging it as something new. But C-12 leaves intact measures to block refugee hearings, impose arbitrary retroactive one-year bars, and grant ministers mass immigration status-cancellation powers."

The opposition to the bills comes in the wake of significant pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who has criticized Canada’s border security measures and threatened tariffs. This international pressure has played a role in the swift introduction of both bills.

The coalition, which includes prominent organizations such as the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the BC Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Labour Congress, the United Church of Canada, the Canadian Council for Refugees, and Amnesty International, remains united in its rejection of the government’s approach. They emphasize the importance of protecting human rights and upholding justice for migrants and refugees against what they see as an alignment with conservative, anti-migrant sentiment by Prime Minister Carney's administration.

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate over national security and human rights in Canada, reflecting broader global tensions around migration and border control.