OTTAWA — A coalition of civil society groups is raising alarms over the Liberal government's newly introduced border security bill, claiming it poses significant risks to civil liberties and human rights. The International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, based in Ottawa, is urging the government to withdraw the bill and replace it with more focused legislation addressing specific border issues.

This coalition includes a diverse array of organizations, such as non-profits, unions, professional associations, faith groups, environmental advocates, and representatives from immigrant and refugee communities. The proposed legislation would grant authorities expanded powers, including the ability to search mail, pause or cancel immigration applications, and enhance the Canadian Coast Guard's role in security operations.

The government asserts that the bill aims to secure borders, combat transnational organized crime, halt the flow of dangerous substances like fentanyl, and tackle money laundering. This legislative push comes amid ongoing pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which has expressed concerns about irregular migration and the southbound flow of fentanyl, leading to tariffs on Canadian goods.

Support for the bill has emerged from Canadian police chiefs and child protection advocates, who argue it is necessary to protect young people from online predators. However, the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group contends that the government is overreaching by seeking powers related to immigration and police access to personal information that do not directly pertain to border security.

Tim McSorley, the coalition's national coordinator, stated, "If the government is serious about addressing concerns regarding illegal gun and drug trafficking, it must introduce legislation specifically tailored to that goal, as opposed to a wide-ranging omnibus bill." He emphasized the need for thorough consultations with experts in civil liberties, privacy, and immigration rights if the government decides to pursue new legislation.

The coalition has expressed particular concern over provisions that could restrict asylum claims in Canada and grant Canada Post the authority to open and search letter mail. Additionally, they highlighted the absence of an independent oversight body for the Coast Guard, which would be empowered to conduct security patrols and gather intelligence under the proposed bill.

Further reservations were raised regarding changes to the Criminal Code and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) regulations, which would facilitate easier access to information about internet subscribers and allow warrantless police access in urgent situations. The bill would also mandate electronic service providers to comply with police and CSIS requests for information and communications.

During the initial debate on the bill in the House of Commons, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that a forthcoming statement would clarify how the legislation aligns with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He asserted that the bill would "bolster our response to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks and enhance the integrity and fairness of our immigration system, all the while protecting Canadians' privacy and Charter rights."

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police has welcomed the bill, noting that Canada is lagging behind its international law enforcement counterparts in accessing electronic evidence related to criminal activities. They stated, "Transnational organized crime groups are exploiting this gap to victimize our communities across the country through serious crimes such as human, drug and firearm trafficking, auto theft, and violent profit-driven crime."