In the most recent Urgent Action letter, the TRU Students’ Union has written to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging his government to withdraw Bill C-2 and Bill C-12. In the letter, TRUSU calls on the Prime Minister to uphold Canada’s commitments to dignity, protection, and justice by ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers are not denied their right to seek safety or stripped of due process under Canadian and international law.
“Writing this letter felt necessary because so many students on our campus depend on these protections to feel secure enough to study, work, and plan for their futures,” said Payton Maffioli, TRUSU’s Indigenous Representative. “Advocacy like this is about using our voice as a student union to speak up when policies threaten the safety and stability of people in our community.”
In June 2025, the federal government introduced Bill C-2, misleadingly titled the Strong Borders Act, proposing wide-ranging changes to border security, immigration, asylum, customs, and law enforcement laws. The bill would significantly limit access to refugee protection, expand detention and deportation powers, and restrict the ability of people seeking asylum to have their claims fairly heard. In October 2025, Bill C-12 was introduced to fast-track key elements of Bill C-2, accelerating these changes and further reducing oversight, review, and procedural safeguards.
Together, Bills C-2 and C-12 place people at serious risk by undermining the right to seek asylum and weakening the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face torture, persecution, or other life-threatening harm. These changes disproportionately impact people who have already lived in Canada for extended periods, including students, workers, and families who have built lives and community ties here. If enacted, the bills would mark a significant departure from Canada’s long-standing obligations under international human rights and refugee law.
“The reality of these bills is that they put real people in danger,” Payton added. “They create fear and uncertainty for those who came to Canada believing they would be protected here. A country’s values are reflected in how it treats the most vulnerable, and this is a moment where compassion and responsibility matter deeply.”
We hope that Prime Minister Mark Carney takes meaningful action in response to our letter by rescinding Bill C-2 and Bill C-12 and reaffirming Canada’s responsibility to protect the rights and safety of refugees and asylum seekers.
We await a response from the honorable Prime Minister of Canada on this urgent matter.
For More Information
The Amnesty Urgent Action Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.