Canada introduces comprehensive immigration and security legislation.

The Canadian government has introduced a bill aimed at tightening immigration laws and enhancing security measures, particularly at the shared border with the United States. The proposed Strong Borders Act is designed to combat organised crime and reduce the flow of illegal drugs and weapons into Canada, according to Immigration Minister Lena Diab. Key components of the legislation include new restrictions on asylum claims, potentially barring those who have been in the country for over a year from filing, and requiring those entering from the US to make a claim within 14 days under the Safe Third Country Agreement. The bill also grants additional powers to authorities to monitor the border and intervene in certain immigration processes for public health or national security reasons.

The Canadian government has faced growing pressure to address immigration as the country experiences challenges with strained public services and housing issues. This pressure was a key factor in Prime Minister Mark Carney's election campaign, during which he promised to manage the country's "unsustainable" immigration levels. The previous administration, under Justin Trudeau, pursued aggressive immigration targets to boost economic growth, resulting in an influx of temporary workers and students, as well as increased asylum claims.

Some of the measures included in the bill, such as the expansion of government power to open mail for criminal investigations and restrictions on large cash transactions, have drawn criticism from opposition parties and advocacy groups. Jenny Kwan, a parliament member from the New Democratic Party, expressed concern about the bill's potential impact on civil liberties. Meanwhile, the Migrant Rights Network has called the proposed changes "immoral" and argued they would lead to "mass deportations" and weaken refugee protections.

The timing of the bill coincides with ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the US, with the Canadian government acknowledging that the new legislation may address concerns raised by US President Donald Trump regarding border security. However, officials have emphasized that the bill's focus is on securing Canada's borders and not solely intended to appease the US.
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