Jun 20, 2025
A newly proposed Canadian law, Bill C-2—the Strong Borders Act—is facing fierce opposition for its sweeping surveillance powers that critics say would allow government officials to access personal data without judicial oversight. The bill grants law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and other federal authorities the ability to demand information from any service provider—ranging from hotels and medical offices to internet companies—about an individual's activities. This includes when someone accessed a service, whether they are still a client, and if additional records exist. Alarming to privacy advocates, no court approval would be needed for these data requests, which could be issued based merely on suspicion of a federal law violation. Those served must comply swiftly and are barred from informing the individual concerned, with only a brief five-day window to challenge the request in court.
Privacy experts and civil rights organizations, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), argue that the bill's vague language and broad scope pose a serious threat to personal freedoms. They warn that officials could use this law to compile extensive digital and physical profiles of individuals, even pulling sensitive information from healthcare providers unless contested immediately. The legislation’s definition of “service provider” is so expansive it could include nearly any business or institution—schools, hospitals, barbers, banks—potentially turning them into unwitting data sources for government surveillance. Despite assurances from Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree that the bill aligns with constitutional protections, a Charter compliance review has not been released. Critics like Kate Robertson from Citizen Lab and NDP MP Jenny Kwan say the bill lacks proper checks and opens the door to mass surveillance without accountability.
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SOURCE: Reclaim the Net