Liberals introduce second border bill as they look to pass some measures quickly

OTTAWA — The Liberal government has split its border security bill in two in the hope of seeing some measures pass swiftly while giving Canadians more time to evaluate other, more contentious ones.

Bill C-12, introduced Wednesday, includes several measures from a June bill to expand the Coast Guard’s role, tighten the immigration system, enhance information sharing on sex offenders and better control chemicals used to make illicit drugs.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the government would still pursue passage of the first bill, C-2, which proposes giving authorities new powers to search mail and access personal information.

The move means the federal border security proposals will proceed through Parliament on two separate legislative tracks, with Bill C-12 likely moving ahead first.

Bill C-2 would then make its way through Parliament, with elements included in the new C-12 deleted to avoid duplication.

Anandasangaree suggested to reporters Wednesday that he opted against simply revising Bill C-2 during the legislative process because “there are strict guidelines” on amending a bill that would make that difficult.

In June, the government said the legislation was meant to keep borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and crack down on money laundering.

More than 300 civil society organizations called on Ottawa to withdraw the bill, saying it threatened liberties, refugee and migrant rights and the privacy of all Canadians.

The June bill came in response to sustained pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which cited concerns about the southbound flow of irregular migrants and fentanyl to justify imposing tariffs on Canadian goods.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2025.