Independent Jewish Voices joins other groups in condemning Bill C-2, brought forward for first reading by Mark Carney’s Liberal government in the House of Commons on June 3.
At a time when we are watching in horror as the US carries out mass round-ups, detentions, and deportations, disproportionately affecting people of colour, this bill paves the way for similar things to happen here.
The Strong Borders Act would make it harder to seek asylum, allow Canada to cancel permits without due process, and enable mass deportations. We have seen how this kind of overreaching power has been used to target Palestine solidarity activists in the US and terrorize immigrant communities. Bill C-2 would permit more state and police repression of social justice movements and migrants here, and would expand surveillance of everyone in Canada.
Many Jews in Canada now have the privilege of citizenship, but we were viewed as “none is too many” by federal government officials not so long ago. We stand in solidarity with migrant justice and human rights organizations in their calls to “reject Bill C-2 and instead ensure equal rights and permanent resident status for all.”
This Act will only deepen the racism we already see in restrictive programs for racialized refugees in the face of extreme humanitarian crises in places like Gaza and Sudan.
Our Jewish tradition, values, and history teach us to oppose all forms of racism and to fight for justice. Jews have been migrants and refugees. We have experienced xenophobic oppression and fought against fascism. We will not sit idly by while our neighbours and friends are targeted.
Learn more about the harms in this bill and take action with Migrant Rights Network.