The committee studied Bill C-12, which aims to strengthen immigration and border security and combat transnational organized crime. Appearing were Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne, professors Robert Huebert and P. Whitney Lackenbauer, National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé, and Customs and Immigration Union national president Mark Weber.
Philippe Dufresne supported Bill C-12's requirement for written information-sharing agreements when the immigration minister discloses personal information outside the department, and recommended this be included in Bill C-8 as well. He proposed clarifying that customs officers may not enter a dwelling house without consent or a warrant, harmonizing with existing Customs Act provisions. He noted that Bill C-12 omits the most privacy-intrusive lawful access provisions from the earlier Bill C-2, on which he will have more to say when that bill is reviewed.
Robert Huebert said the amendments to the Oceans Act giving the Coast Guard more security functions are good but raise questions about what this means for Coast Guard members, since the Coast Guard is not law enforcement. He questioned how Bill C-12 strengthens borders against strategic threats from Russia, China and Iran, and against organized crime, and expressed concern that the Coast Guard may not receive adequate funding for its new security responsibilities, noting a pattern of underfunding despite good legislation.
P. Whitney Lackenbauer argued that most unwanted Arctic activity should be seen as law-breaking rather than sovereignty challenges, and that Bill C-12 improves the government's ability to exercise sovereign control by focusing on tangible threats like organized crime and the opioid crisis. He welcomed the Coast Guard's new security role in collecting and analyzing intelligence, saying this capitalizes on its persistent Arctic presence and supports whole-of-government domain awareness, but noted that follow-up investments in systems and personnel are needed.
Brian Sauvé supported Bill C-12's objectives but said success requires adequate personnel, efficient procurement, and stronger information sharing. He endorsed provisions on sex offender travel information and fast-tracking fentanyl scheduling, but was disappointed that lawful access and Canada Post amendments from Bill C-2 were removed. He called for all 1,000 new hires to be sworn RCMP members, backed by a multi-year staffing plan, and for faster procurement of drones, helicopters and other tools.
Mark Weber said Bill C-12's export inspection powers are positive but noted that CBSA already lacks staffing to conduct import inspections, especially in rail operations. He argued that adequate human presence is essential for border security, and criticized CBSA for relying on students with three weeks of training at airports, for pushing out nearly 200 experienced officers who cannot carry firearms, and for a toxic workplace culture that disproportionately affects women. He said the 1,000 new officer commitment will be offset by attrition and limited training capacity.
The committee adopted a Bloc Québécois motion to extend the amendment deadline for Bill C-12 to Friday, November 21, at 11:59 p.m., to allow members to consider testimony from the immigration committee. A Conservative member gave notice of a motion to call on the government to rescind the lease termination of the Penticton Shooting Sports Association, and another Conservative member gave notice of a motion for a study on systemic discrimination and toxic workplace culture at CBSA.
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