Liberal border security bill poses serious risk to rights, liberties, coalition warns
OTTAWA — A national coalition of civil society groups says the Liberal government's new border security bill poses a serious risk to human rights and liberties.
The Ottawa-based International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group is calling on the government to withdraw the bill and replace it with a more targeted response to specific border concerns.
The coalition brings together dozens of non-governmental organizations, unions, professional associations, faith groups, environmental organizations, human rights and civil liberties advocates and groups representing immigrant and refugee communities.
The Strong Borders Act, introduced this week, would give authorities new powers to search mail, make it easier for officials to pause or cancel immigration applications and expand the Canadian Coast Guard's role to include security activities.
The government says the legislation aims to keep borders secure, fight transnational organized crime, stop the flow of deadly fentanyl and crack down on money laundering.
The civil liberties monitoring group says the government is using the bill to seek powers on immigration and police access to personal information that are not related to securing the border.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025.
Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
13 minutes ago
- CTV News
Teen arrested in Sudbury stabbing; 3rd suspect charged, 1 at large
Sudbury police have charged a 16-year-old in a downtown double stabbing, the third suspect arrested this week. Two others, 26 and 17, were held earlier. One suspect remains at large. It is believed that the victims knew their attackers.
CTV News
13 minutes ago
- CTV News
Non-profit animal hospital opens in southeast Calgary
An animal hospital dedicated to affordable treatment for pets opened Saturday in southeast Calgary, and business is already booming. The Task Force Animal Hospital officially opened its doors Saturday, offering accessible and affordable vet care to people who might otherwise not be able to afford to take their pet to the vet. 'It's really the first hospital like this in Alberta right now," said Canadian Animal Task Force executive director and co-founder R.J. Bailot. Bailot said the group originally started to support Indigenous communities with dog management practices, setting up spay and neuter clinics but could see the need to broaden its reach. 'Over the years, we've kind of shifted and expanded programs to now have our own brick-and-mortar space in Calgary, so that we could actually help Calgarians as well," Bailot said. Task Force Animal Hospital Task Force Animal Hospital offers low-cost veterinarian care to Calgary pet owners who are financially-challenged. (Tyson Fedor, CTV Calgary) He said the group did a soft launch to try to gauge demand ahead of the official opening. 'Within a few days, we had over 300 applications,' he said. 'We know we're going to be slam busy. 'The sad reality is there's such a huge need for services like this,' he added. 'There was recently a study that was published that 50 per cent of Canadians are not bringing their animals right now to veterinarians, and cost is one of the largest factors.' Bailot said the group is trying to complete its capital campaign, with every dollar donated up to $100,000 being matched by a longtime donor. 'That will really help us get to our goal to really complete this capital campaign,' he said. The animal hospital is at 3610 Burnsland Rd S.E. For information, go here.
CTV News
13 minutes ago
- CTV News
Parents protest as Parry Sound students face classes in construction sites
Parents and students gathered outside Parry Sound District High School on Friday, voicing frustration over the Near North District School Board's handling of school construction delays. With both the existing high school and the new JK-12 site under construction, families say they lack clear answers about safety and logistics for the upcoming school year. 'Today we're just trying to hype up the awareness of the Near North District School Board's plan. We're questioning their contingency plan,' said Shane Reynolds with the group 'Parents for Parry Sound.' 'We're standing in front of the existing high school, which is a third broken down right now with demolition. We have questions that are still outstanding.' Parry Sound - Parents Protest Parents and students gathered outside on August 15, 2025, to voice frustration over the Near North District School Board's handling of school construction delays. With both the existing high school and the new JK-12 site under construction, families say they lack clear answers about safety and logistics for the upcoming school year. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) Amy Black, another parent with the group, echoed concerns over transparency. 'We band together when push comes to shove, and we are not taking a very vague media release as a satisfactory answer,' she said. 'We want proof that the school is safe. We want proof that the well-being of the children is the priority. So far, we have yet to see that.' Board releases contingency plan Late Friday, the board published an eight-page contingency plan on its website and social media, addressing safety and operational adjustments. The document confirms that fire alarms, PA systems and security cameras remain functional at Parry Sound High School, despite partial demolition. A conference room will serve as a temporary library, while a classroom will host bagged lunches in place of a cafeteria. Parry Sound school construction site Parry Sound High School sits as a construction site as demolition had started on the building before it became clear a the new school's construction would not be completed for the start of the 2025-26 school year. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) In a media release, the board acknowledged the 'delay and resulting confusion' but emphasized that student safety and learning continuity are 'paramount.' The plan, developed with input from the Ministry of Education and community partners, remains 'fluid,' with updates to be shared via email and a dedicated webpage. Uncertain timelines and logistics The $58.5 million school project, funded by the province in June 2023, has no confirmed completion date. The board stated it is working with contractors to finalize timelines but warned that exterior work may continue into 2026. Parry Sound - New school rendering An undated computer graphic rendering of what the new Parry Sound JK-12 school will look like when consturction is completed. (Supplied/Near North District School Board) Temporary measures include redistributing some students to McDougall and Nobel Public Schools, which the board says have 'sufficient capacity.' Transportation details are expected by Aug. 25, and remote learning has been ruled out as an option at this time. Calls for transparency persist Parents continue to push for in-person updates, but the board has not committed to a town hall, stating it will rely on digital communications. Reynolds and others argue more direct engagement is needed. 'We want our questions answered,' Black said. 'Right now, it feels like we're being kept in the dark.' Parry Sound - Parents Protest Parents gathered outside on August 15, 2025, to voice frustration over the Near North District School Board's handling of school construction delays. With both the existing high school and the new JK-12 site under construction, families say they lack clear answers about safety and logistics for the upcoming school year. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontario) The Near North District School Board urges families to monitor its website for further adjustments as the school year approaches and check its new FAQ page to address common questions.
