Government’s Strong Borders Act May Infringe on Charter Rights: Parliamentary Report

A car approaches one of the few lanes open at the Peace Arch border crossing into the United States in Blaine, Wash., on June 8, 2021. Elaine Thompson/AP Photo

Ottawa’s Strong Borders Act could infringe upon Canadians’ Charter rights, including equality rights and privacy implications, a report by the Library of Parliament suggests.

The Strong Borders Act, also known as Bill C-2, aims to strengthen the country’s national security by providing law enforcement with “enhanced tools” to secure Canada’s borders. The report warns that the “wide reach” of the legislation could have Charter implications.