Summary Report – Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security Meeting – October 4-5, 2025

Members of the Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security (CCRS) and government officials met in Ottawa, ON from October 4 to 5, 2025. Officials from Public Safety, the Department of Justice, the Canada Border Services Agency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Canadian Heritage, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Security Intelligence Service attended the meeting.

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, Tricia Geddes, Deputy Minister of Public Safety, and Daniel Mills, Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety, also participated in the meeting. They reiterated their support and gratitude for the time, commitment, and work of the CCRS, and expressed the importance of engaging community members on departmental policy and program development.

Bill C-2 – The Strong Borders Act

Officials from Public Safety and the Department of Justice presented on the Strong Borders Act (the Act) that was introduced in June 2025. They looked to CCRS members for their feedback and insight on their communities' understanding of the proposed legislation. CCRS members took the opportunity to ask clarifying questions to better understand the many elements of the expansive Act. CCRS members expressed that the presentation was compelling and agreed that amendments to existing legislation are needed. They noted that a balance needs to be struck between keeping Canadians safe and making sure Canadians' rights and information are protected.

CCRS members recommended a more clear and concise way of presenting the Act to Canadians, (e.g. a one-pager table) that outlines examples of the existing gaps, proposed safeguards, and the recommended legislative changes. CCRS members stated that a document illustrating the current laws versus the proposed amendments would aid in better understanding what is being proposed, as there are many misconceptions in the media and most Canadians are not well versed with the current laws. CCRS members also suggested explaining to Canadians how the government would use and protect their information.

Bill C-9 – Combatting Hate Act

The Department of Justice provided an overview of the Combatting Hate Act (the Bill) that was introduced in September 2025. The legislation was driven by two main factors: the impact of hate on places of worship and cultural centres, and the need to strongly denounce hate crime. CCRS members expressed the need and gratitude for the Bill, as the rise in hate crime has been felt by many communities. While recognizing the need to respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, discussions around the issue of intent for the proposed hate propaganda offence of wilfully (i.e. intentionally) promoting hatred by displaying certain hate symbols was thoroughly discussed, with CCRS members seeking clarification on how intent will be determined

CCRS members emphasized that a key concern for their communities is the need for both education and enforcement of the Bill—targeting Canadians and police forces alike. CCRS members also questioned why anti-Black symbols, anti-Black racism, and hate crimes targeting other ethnic and religious minority groups were not specifically noted.

Update from the Office of the National Counter-Foreign Interference Coordinator (ONCFIC)

The Office of the National Counter-Foreign Interference Coordinator returned to the Roundtable to provide an update and consult CCRS members on the Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner and Registry, and on community engagements on countering transnational repression. CCRS members had questions related to the enforcement of self-registering, as well as a tool to identify who is required to register. The discussions also centered around diaspora communities, including international students, living under self-censorship and self-policing due to lack of knowing their rights and who can be trusted. CCRS members recommended liaising with immigrant and settlement agencies, public libraries and local school boards to enhance domestic engagement with newcomers and vulnerable communities.

CSIS' Chairing of the Five Eyes Indigenous Network

Officials from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) provided an update on the Five Eyes Indigenous Network, including their recent hosting of the annual in-person Summit in Ottawa (June 2025). The meeting was central to rebuilding trust with Indigenous communities, listening to their perspectives and developing national security resilience. CCRS members expressed appreciation for CSIS' efforts to engage Indigenous groups on issues happening in their communities, and building meaningful partnerships through this Network.

CCRS Member Check-In

Each CCRS member shared updates on their communities and the work they have been doing. This was an opportunity for members and government officials to learn more about what each member is focused on and help foster trust, relationship building and networking.

The Examination of Personal Digital Devices at the Border

Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) consulted CCRS members on the current Canadian policies and procedures regarding the examination of personal digital devices at Canadian borders. CCRS members posed questions around what is considered "reasonable grounds" and "suspicious behaviour" as it relates to being searched at the border. CCRS members also sought clarification on general information-sharing practices, including what specific information is accessible to the individual being searched (i.e. the notes taken to understand why they were identified for a search).

CCRS members' recommendations included highlighting the confidentiality aspect of these procedures to the public, and being clear about how they define "reasonable" when identifying a candidate for an examination at the border.

Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia: For a more inclusive Canada

The Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia presented an overview of the Office's work and shared the newly launched "Canadian Guide to Understanding and Combatting Islamophobia".

Questions and comments from CCRS members focused on drivers of Islamophobia, misrepresentation and the importance of intersectionality (race, gender, religion, socio-economic status), and the need for improved efforts to monitor anti-Muslim hate crimes (gaps in data collection and importance of promoting religious literacy for media).

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