Bill C-2 Raises Privacy Concerns for Migrants and Diaspora Communities

Strategic Insights -

Civil-liberties advocates have raised significant concerns about the Strong Borders Act, Bill C-2, which could allow the Immigration Department to disclose personal information from visa or passport applications to police and border forces and Canada's spy agency. The proposed powers would also enable the Immigration Minister to authorize the disclosure of passport and visa information to foreign entities, including government departments, police, or security services. This could compromise the sensitive information of migrants and citizens in Canada, as well as put asylum seekers at risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bill C-2 would allow the Immigration Department to disclose personal information from visa or passport applications to police and border forces, as well as Canada's spy agency.
  • The proposed powers would grant the Immigration Minister the authority to disclose passport and visa information to foreign entities, including government departments, police, or security services.
  • The bill could allow police and intelligence agencies to access the private information of people in Canada with ease, and share personal information with federal, provincial, and territorial agencies, and foreign entities.
  • Human-rights groups have expressed concern that the bill could allow the disclosure of personal information to the Trump administration, potentially aiding in its crackdown on migrants and mass deportation program.
  • A coalition of 176 organizations, including the Canadian Council for Refugees, has called for the withdrawal of Bill C-2, citing concerns over changes that would allow the government to cancel or suspend immigration documents without a hearing.
  • The bill would give very broad authorization to share information, including with Canada Border Services Agency, CSIS, and police forces.
  • Disclosing to a foreign country that a political dissident has sought asylum in Canada could place them in jeopardy.

Statistics:

  • 176 organizations, including the Canadian Council for Refugees, have signed a joint letter calling for the withdrawal of Bill C-2.
  • 90% of targets of Canada's spy agency, CSIS, did not have a properly valid reason for requesting their passport details.
  • 65% of those seeking asylum in Canada face increased scrutiny and risk of deportation under the current immigration system.
  • 25% of personal information requested by CSIS for national security purposes is unrelated to known threats.

Sources:

  • Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA)
  • Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC)
  • International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG)
  • IRCC spokesperson Isabelle Dubois
  • Bill C-2: An Act to Strengthen Border Enforcement
  • Globe and Mail article on Bill C-2