'Police state stuff on a level of Mussolini': Advocacy group warns against 'frightening' Bill C-2

The founder of an influential legal advocacy group has added his voice to a growing chorus of critics unhappy with the Liberal government’s new border bill.

John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, told NowMedia that Bill C-2 could end up effectively criminalizing the use of cash for large purchases.

He also said the “frightening” legislation could give government officials the right to access cellphones without a warrant in a “dangerous lowering” of standards.

“It's gonna become legal for Canada Post to open your mail,” he said.

"This is police state stuff on a level of Mussolini, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot. I'm not exaggerating that – this turns us not entirely into a police state, but it's a huge step towards turning Canada into a police state.

“So I hope people will contact their member of Parliament [about the law].”

Other critics of the law include the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, renowned law professor Michael Geist, NDP MP Jenny Kwan, the federal Green Party, hundreds of groups organized by the Canadian Council for Refugees and Independent Jewish Voices.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, have said the law contains “snooping provisions” that could allow the government to access internet users’ information.

To build a stronger Canada, we need stronger borders.

Canada’s Public Safety Minister, @Gary_SRP, introduced the Strong Borders Act to keep Canadians safe and fight cross-border crime. Watch:

pic.twitter.com/TYekbS2CJj

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 4, 2025

The Liberals, however, have said the law is crucial to help the government fight international criminal gangs.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangeree, who is in charge of the legislation, has also emphasized that the bill will make it harder for criminals to commit immigration fraud.

It will also help law enforcement clamp down on car theft, fentanyl trafficking and money laundering, he said.

In a statement about the law released earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the bill would give police “additional tools to secure the border, combat organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering.”