U.S. border guards would get new powers to question, search and even detain Canadian citizens on Canadian soil under a bill proposed by the Liberal government.

A Canadian going to the U.S. through a pre-clearance area [on Canadian soil] can say: 'I don't like the way [an interview is] going and I've chosen not to visit your country.' And they can just turn around and walk out.

"Under the new proposed bill, they wouldn't be able to walk out. They can be held and forced to answer questions, first to identify themselves, which is not so offensive, but secondly, to explain the reasons for leaving, and to explain their reasons for wanting to withdraw," --Michael Greene, Q.C.

We need to have the right to say, 'I withdraw my intention to enter,' exit the U.S. Border office and leave unencumbered.

All Canadians who travel to the U.S.A. are affected by this. It means that if you answered a question in a manner they did not like, the border guards can detain you for as long as they want and you cannot leave. We need to have Bill C-23 amended before it is passed.

Your Member of Parliament needs to know you want to maintain the right to walk away from the U.S.A. if you so please. Contact that person. But first sign this petition.

Here is more information, http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pre-clearance-border-canada-us-1.3976123