Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree spoke to reporters at the House of Commons in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has introduced a powerful new bill to protect Canada’s borders. Known as Bill C-2 or the Strong Borders Act, this law brings major changes. It targets organized crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering. It also gives more power to police, border officers, and immigration officials.
Fighting crime and drug smuggling
The government says the bill aims to fight drug smuggling, especially fentanyl, and stop money from flowing to criminal groups. Police would get new powers to act fast in emergency cases, even without a warrant. One example is when a child is in immediate danger.
Mail investigations would also change. Police and postal inspectors would now be able to open mail if they are authorized and part of a criminal investigation.
Cash limits to stop money laundering
To stop large illegal cash transfers, the bill sets new limits. Any cash deal over $10,000 or a deposit into someone else’s account would be flagged. These rules won’t affect everyday people who use banks, cards, or cheques.
Changes at the border and in immigration
The bill introduces stronger border checks. Border officers could now enter and search buildings used by transporters and warehouse owners. The Canadian Coast Guard would also get a new job—patrolling and gathering security information.
There will also be drones, helicopters, and watchtowers working 24/7 at the border. The government had already promised $1.3 billion to improve border security, and this new bill adds to those efforts.
New immigration and asylum rules
Big changes are coming to immigration too. The government wants the power to cancel or stop immigration applications quickly. People applying for asylum more than one year after entering Canada (after June 24, 2020) would no longer have their cases reviewed by the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Also, anyone crossing from the U.S. between official points must file their asylum claim within 14 days. If they miss that deadline, they can still apply for a risk check to see if it’s safe to return to their country.
The bill also speeds up removal orders. If someone withdraws their asylum claim, the order for removal takes effect that same day. Vulnerable people—like minors or those who need help—will get support during the process. Inactive claims will be removed to reduce the backlog.
U.S. and Canada: Border tension grows
The bill could also calm tensions with the U.S. President Donald Trump had blamed Canada for not doing enough to stop drugs from entering America. He had even placed tariffs on Canadian goods to push Canada to act.
Minister Anandasangaree said both countries share the goal of a safer border. He plans to discuss the new bill with U.S. border leader Tom Homan.
Meanwhile, legal battles continue over the U.S. tariffs. A court recently blocked the fees, but the White House appealed. The case could end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.
