CUPE 1281 strongly opposes Bill C-2, the so-called “Strong Borders Act,” which expands criminal penalties and surveillance powers under the guise of national security. This legislation will have serious and harmful consequences for migrant workers and anyone living or working with precarious immigration status.

Bill C-2 introduces new criminal offences for providing “false or misleading statements” or withholding information during immigration and border-related processes. As a matter of fact, this vague and sweeping language threatens workers who may be navigating complex immigration systems or working under coercive employers, for example. The act of criminalizing mistakes, confusions, or fear-based omissions does not serve justice; it entrenches marginalization, particularly in groups where English or French are not their first language.

This bill will have a chilling effect on workers seeking help. Migrant and undocumented workers already face significant barriers to reporting workplace abuse or wage theft. The risk of detention, deportation, or criminal charges will push more people into silence, and those most likely to be affected are racialized, low-wage, non-unionized, and precarious workers.

Bill C-2 also increases the risk of surveillance and data sharing between Canadian and American authorities. This creates new dangers for those fleeing violence or economic hardship, and it strengthens the power of employers to intimidate workers by threatening to report them to immigration authorities. This will reinforce exploitation and undermine efforts to organize for better conditions.

As a union committed to defending all workers, CUPE 1281 rejects this legislation. It deepens fear, punishes vulnerability, and strengthens the power of employers and the state over those least able to defend themselves. It does not promote safety. It promotes silence, it does not uphold justice, it protects capital and borders at the expense of human dignity.

We stand in solidarity with all migrants, undocumented people, and precarious workers. No one should fear criminalization for seeking safety or speaking up about abuse. All workers deserve protection.