Strong Borders Act

The Strong Borders Act (French: Loi visant une sécurité rigoureuse à la frontière) is a proposed piece of legislation of the Parliament of Canada. The legislation increases the scope of agencies to perform border enforcement and anti-trafficking measures. The legislation, furthermore, would bar those seeking asylum in Canada who have been in the country for over a year from having a hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board.^[1][2]

Strong Borders Act
Parliament of Canada
Long title An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures
Considered by	House of Commons of Canada
Legislative history
Introduced by	Gary Anandasangaree
First reading	3 June 2025

Contents of the bill

The bill proposes that those who are seeking asylum, and have been in the country over a year, are not allowed to have a hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board, which in effect also prevents them from obtaining work permits and health coverage. The bill also prevents asylum seekers who have been in Canada for more than 14 days from seeking asylum if they illegally crossed a US Border.^[2]

Criticism

The bill has elicited controversy for its treatment of asylum seekers and critics argue it infringes on civil rights.^[1] The Canadian Council for Refugees has criticized the bill stating that the bill would make it impossible for many asylum seekers to have a hearing. The bill, in its current form, is argued that it will create a class of people who can neither have a hearing, because they have been in the country for over a year, nor be removed, because Canada has barred deportations to their native countries.^[2]

Support

The bill is supported by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. They argue that the bill will empower law enforcement to be better equipped to counter trafficking operations.^[3]