Mark Carney’s Bill C-2, also known as the “Strong Borders Act”, gives state agents sweeping powers to cancel immigration status, shut the door on asylum seekers and spy on everyone. This is part of a long history of scapegoating migrants for conditions caused by capitalism and colonialism - systems our government upholds.

As tenants, we reject the racist and xenophobic narratives that blame refugees, migrants, or any marginalized communities for the rent crisis. The real culprits are the developers who demolish our homes to maximize profits - and the governments who let them. For decades, governments have slashed funding for social housing, deregulated the rental market, and handed power to private landlords and real estate speculators.The crisis didn’t come from outside, it was built here, by policy and by design. 

We condemn the Canadian government which strengthens its colonial policies by continuing to impose its illegitimate borders and forced migrations on Indigenous nations as it plunders and destroys their lands.

We condemn the Canadian war machine which targets migrants and refugees through increased policing and surveillance while it chooses to exports millions of dollars worth of military supplies to Israel that directly facilitates the genocide of Palestinians. 

We condemn the Canadian capitalist and political classes for perpetuating the system of unequal exchange between the global north and south that drives mass migration[1].

The Vancouver Tenants Union stands in solidarity with all refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and racialized communities targeted by this bill. It concerns all of us.

We fight borders. We fight landlords. We fight united.

Please read the call from Migrants Rights Network below:

Bill C-2 is a cruel and violent law that aims to create a mass deportation machine:

One-Year Refugee Deadline

Bill C-2 blocks anyone in Canada over one year from claiming refugee status—even if their home country becomes dangerous after arrival. This applies retroactively to everyone since June 2020, abandoning international humanitarian law.

Eliminates US Border Exception

Previously, migrants crossing from the US between official ports could apply for refugee status after 14 days. Bill C-2 removes this completely, trapping vulnerable people under Trump’s xenophobic policies.

Mass Deportation Powers

The Immigration Minister gains authority to cancel permits for entire groups without due process—including revoking permanent residency applications already submitted. Migrants could lose status overnight with no legal recourse.

Privacy Protections Removed

The bill allows unrestricted information sharing about migrants across all government levels. Undocumented workers asserting labour rights could face deportation when employers report them to border enforcement.

Impact on ALL Canadians

Mass Surveillance Without Warrants: Police and CSIS can demand your online data, emails, and browsing history from any company based only on “reasonable suspicion”—no warrant required.

Forced Corporate Spying

Companies must monitor your personal data under secret government orders, with full immunity for privacy violations.

Mail Surveillance

Canada Post can open your mail without a warrant.

Foreign Access to Your Data

Bill C-2 prepares Canada to share your personal information with US authorities and other foreign governments, undermining constitutional protections.

To take action and share the Migrants Rights Network statement, follow this link [migrantrights.ca/actionslist/stopc2]