Experts warn of Bill C-2 as ‘anti-refugee’ and ‘anti-immigrant’ giving Canada ‘unchecked powers’ like the U.S.
Bill C-2 gives power to pause, cancel and suspend immigration documents.
Mbonisi Zikhali came to Canada in 2009 from Zimbabwe to pursue a master’s in journalism at Carleton University. Post-graduation, the international student found himself homeless in Windsor and applied for refugee status – a privilege soon unavailable if Bill C-2 becomes the law. “The bill is unnecessary and not sympathetic at all to people’s well-being,” Zikhali said.
Many experts and community groups working with newcomers in Canada agree. They are calling the Liberal government’s sweeping new legislation, Bill C-2 or the Strong Borders Act, “anti-immigrant and anti-refugee,” and say they hoping the legislation does not become law.