UPDATE: Unfortunately, Bill-C12 was ultimately passed by the Senate last month.
Our voices did break through, however. The Senate heard testimony from experts and those with direct lived experience about the harms and abuse that this new law could allow. These voices were not invited to speak when this law was passed by the House of Commons. Many Senators tried to do the right thing and introduce limits and protections into Bill C-12, but there were not enough of them to pass these important amendments.
Here are the words of Honourable Senator Paulette Senior: “Many of you may say that [Bill C-12 is] a far cry from what we see occurring south of the border. You may be partially right. However, I see [Bill C-12] as a defined step in that direction, and it begs this question: Why would we, with eyes wide open, take this step to render those who seek asylum and safe refuge more susceptible to harm? … [Bill C-12] leads us down this very dangerous path, putting at risk those of us who have given our hearts and souls to this country. As folks much younger than me would say: ‘Please make this make sense.’”
Thank you for speaking out with us against Bill C-12 and the scapegoating of refugees and immigrants, we will all have to stay vigilant to any abuse of the broad powers created by Bill C-12. We hope you will keep speaking up in support of justice and safety for all of us.