On June 4, 2025, the government introduced Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act. Among the series of its proposed measures, the bill seeks to bolster Canada’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime and keep our borders secure.

These legislative changes would give border services officers more authority, enhance the role of Canada’s Coast Guard, overhaul our immigration and asylum system, and increase the ability for frontline workers to detect drugs, money laundering and other harms from crossing our borders.

PSAC is pleased to see that Prime Minister Mark Carney and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree are fulfilling a platform commitment to build capacity in Canada’s public safety services and recognizes the role of public service workers in the government’s plan for a safer future.

“Bill C-2 proposes sweeping changes to Canada’s border and immigration systems – but no policy, no matter how ambitious, can succeed without the workers who deliver it,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. “We welcome the government’s recognition of the critical roles public service workers play in securing our borders and we expect this commitment will be matched with the resources, staffing, and supports they need to do the job safely and effectively.”

Federal public service workers: Canada’s safety net

Many of the workers who carry out the duties outlined in this bill are frontline workers who have fought for years of fairness. Thousands of public service workers, including border services officers and Coast Guard search and rescue technicians, put their lives at risk to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in Canada. These workers, along with their colleagues whose work fall outside of this bill, such as Parks Canada wildland firefighters and paramedics working for the three northern territorial governments, currently lack access to equitable retirement benefits.

The federal government must follow through on the promise made in the last Fall Economic Statement to provide these workers with the ability to retire after 25 years of service without penalties. Reforming the pension plan is a major factor in the retention, recruitment and improving working conditions for these workers.

“By tabling Bill C-2 in the very early days of this new parliamentary session, the federal government is highlighting its willingness to tackle border issues head-on,” said Customs and Immigration Union National President Mark Weber. “We hope this is the first in a series of measures that will reinforce our border infrastructure, and we look forward to the Liberal government fulfilling its other campaign promises to that effect, including the hiring of 1,000 additional CBSA officers.”  

“Canada counts on the specialized skills of its dedicated Coast Guard workers,” said Teresa Eschuk, National President of the Union of Canadian Transportation Employees. “Across all our coasts, these workers are diligent in protecting and maintaining our waters and coastlines. We encourage this government to uphold open dialogue on the progress of this bill to ensure that the workers who diligently protect Canada are well-supported.”

Canada’s future depends on the integrity of its public service

Canada’s future is secured by public service workers. PSAC is hopeful that this government will continue to listen to their voices as they move Bill C-2 forward.

It is crucial that any reforms made to our country’s border and immigration systems uphold Canada’s commitment to human rights and privacy. We welcome ongoing discussions with this government to support the very workers who will implement these changes, and we will closely monitor how these new measures will be enforced.