Liberals hoped their border bill would quickly pass. Now they're aiming for next year

One of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first orders of business after securing a win during the spring federal election was to introduce a border security bill. 

It was heralded by Liberals as a signature piece of legislation to help harden the 49th parallel and advance a trade deal with the White House.

Fast-forward five months: Trade talks have soured and the bill has gone through the wringer when it comes to public criticism, been split in two and faced further calls for amendments.

With opposition parties questioning both bills, the Liberals are looking at a battle to fufil a key election promise and get them through a minority Parliament.

“They have a disaster on their hands,” said NDP MP Jenny Kwan.

The fight comes as Canada hosts a meeting of G7 security ministers this weekend in Ottawa where border security and immigration are likely to be raised.

Here’s where things stand.

The original Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, was introduced in June and came in response to sustained pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who justified his trade war citing concerns about the southbound flow of migrants and fentanyl. 

The legislation included measures that would update surveillance powers for security and intelligence agencies, tighten the asylum claim system and clamp down on the chemicals used to make illicit drugs.

It’s in addition to the more than $1 billion in new spending on border security Ottawa has committed to, including purchasing surveillance technology like drones and better staffing both the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency.  

The initial bill received praise from police chiefs across the country, the fentanyl czar and child protection advocates.

It also attracted accusations of government overreach. More than 300 civil society organizations called on the Liberals to withdraw the bill, saying it threatened freedoms, refugee and migrant rights and the privacy of all Canadians.

Last month, the Liberals made the move to split the bill in hopes of getting some of the border protection-specific measures through Parliament and into law more quickly, with a promise to return to the more contentious issues down the road. 

The new legislation essentially lifts elements out of the old bill, including the drug control elements and provisions around the immigration and refugee system, and drops them into what’s now been introduced as Bill C-12.