Officials defend Liberal bill that would force hospitals, banks, hotels to hand over data
The proposed Strong Borders Act, also known as Bill C-2, by the Liberal government has stirred controversy as it aims to give police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) the power to obtain information from a wide range of service providers without a warrant. This includes medical professionals, banks, car rental companies, and more.
In a recent briefing with reporters, government officials defended the bill, stating that these changes are necessary to keep pace with evolving crime trends. The “lawful access” portions of the bill have been heavily criticized by civil liberties groups, academics, and some opposition MPs for potentially infringing on personal privacy and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Under the proposed legislation, service providers would be required to hand over basic information to authorities without judicial approval. In more detailed investigations, a production order with judicial authorization could be issued to obtain subscriber information such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
The bill also allows for data seizure without a warrant in urgent situations where there is a threat to public safety or evidence could be lost. This has raised concerns about potential abuse of power and violations of privacy rights.
Critics argue that the bill could lead to a massive expansion of domestic surveillance and undermine privacy-related jurisprudence. Tim McSorley, national co-ordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, stated that the bill is “ripe for abuse” and could compromise Canadian privacy rights.
Despite the backlash, the government maintains that the bill is necessary for enhancing border security, combating organized crime and money laundering, and addressing the influx of deadly fentanyl across borders. The Justice Department has released a Charter statement asserting that the bill is compliant with Charter Rights and Freedoms.
Support for the bill comes from Canada’s police chiefs and child protection advocates, who believe that warrantless requests for information could aid in early-stage investigations. However, critics argue that the bill’s provisions go beyond what is necessary and could lead to excessive data collection.
The government’s efforts to strengthen border security have been influenced by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has emphasized the need for increased border security due to concerns about irregular migration and fentanyl trafficking.
Overall, the Strong Borders Act has sparked a heated debate on the balance between security measures and individual privacy rights, with both supporters and critics voicing their concerns about the potential implications of the proposed legislation.
