November 2025
Bill C-12 – “An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system” was introduced by the Liberal government on October 08, 2025. After second reading it was referred to two committees – the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration CIMM and the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security SECU. In November, CDPC made a written submission to SECU urging withdrawal of Bill C-12.
CDPC’s main message is simple: Canada is doubling down on policing and surveillance instead of addressing the real causes of the unregulated drug crisis— a lack of housing, health care, and a safe, regulated drug supply.
In addition to the numerous civil liberties, migrant rights and privacy concerns expressed by hundreds of civil liberties and human rights groups, we are particularly concerned about parts of Bill C-12 that expand surveillance and enforcement powers without evidence of the public health and public safety impacts and harms, and that risk deepening Canada’s toxic unregulated drug crisis rather than alleviating it. We also raised concerns regarding human rights, environmental impacts, regulatory and fiscal accountability, and Canada’s alignment with increasingly militarized and illegal US “drug-control operations”.
CDPC recommends that Parliament withdraw Bill C-12 and begin a full, evidence-based review of Canada’s drug laws focused on public health, human rights, and community safety.