Bill C-2: How Ottawa’s Strong Borders Act Could Reshape Canadian Immigration
Background on Bill C-2
The Canadian government’s new Bill C-2, also known as the Strong Borders Act, has been introduced under the premise of strengthening border security and keeping Canadians safe. However, immigration experts argue that a deeper—and more controversial—objective lies beneath the surface: drastically reducing Canada’s growing immigration backlog and cutting processing times.
Introduced in June of this year by the Carney government, Bill C-2 comes on the heels of pressure from the United States, particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump, regarding illegal immigration and drug trafficking at the northern border. The bill proposes sweeping changes, including restrictions on asylum access, enhanced data sharing with U.S. intelligence agencies, and expanded powers for immigration officials to cancel, suspend, or vary immigration documents.
Criticisms of Bill C-2’s potential impact on Immigration into Canada
While Ottawa claims these measures are in the "public interest," critics warn the term is too vague and potentially dangerous. There is growing concern that immigration officials could use these powers arbitrarily, making Canada’s immigration system more unpredictable and less transparent. The bill offers little clarity on how and when these powers will be used, leaving room for sudden policy shifts and unfair treatment of applicants.
Canada has long prided itself on being one of the world’s most welcoming countries for newcomers, with structured pathways to permanent residence. But over time, the system has shifted to favour those with Canadian education credentials and work experience, leading many migrants to first arrive as temporary residents. This, combined with limited processing capacity, has caused massive delays in the system.
Backlog, Delays, and a Strained Immigration System
As of July 31, 2025, Canada had more than 2.2 million immigration applications pending, including 892,400 for permanent residence and over 1 million for temporary residence. With Bill C-2 in play, experts believe Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be more aggressive in clearing the backlog—potentially at the expense of humanitarian and low-economic-yield programs.
Programs like the start-up visa, with a 53-month processing time, and the self-employed persons program, already suspended until 2027, may face further cuts. Migrants in low-skilled and lower-wage jobs are also at higher risk, as Bill C-2 could enable officials to cancel valid permits without notice.
Watching Closely As Everything Unfolds
While the government frames the Strong Borders Act as a necessary step for national security, its implications for immigration fairness, transparency, and humanitarian commitment raise serious questions. As Bill C-2 moves through Parliament, its impact on Canada’s immigration landscape—and on the lives of thousands of applicants—will be closely watched.
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