Home Canada Federal Government Unveils Sweeping Border Plan to Combat Crime and Strengthen Security

Federal Government Unveils Sweeping Border Plan to Combat Crime and Strengthen Security

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Photo: Thomas K/Pexels

The federal government unveiled on Tuesday a sweeping new border strategy designed to strengthen security, combat organized crime, and tighten immigration oversight. Backed by $1.3 billion in funding, the Border Plan was announced by Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Immigration Minister Marc Miller, and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks. The initiative focuses on addressing drug trafficking, particularly the fentanyl crisis, while bolstering collaboration between Canadian and U.S. authorities to tackle illegal migration and other cross-border threats.

The plan outlines a host of measures to modernize Canada’s border operations, starting with new investments to disrupt the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs. Border officers will be equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and imaging technology to detect narcotics before they enter the country. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will deploy additional canine units and chemical detection tools at high-risk points of entry. Health Canada is also stepping up its role, establishing a Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to assist with thousands of investigations annually and accelerating bans on precursor chemicals used in synthetic drug production.

“These investments will help our officers detect and intercept illegal drugs, collaborate with domestic and international partners, and address public safety threats,” said Erin O’Gorman, president of the CBSA.

On the law enforcement side, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is preparing to launch an Aerial Intelligence Task Force featuring drones, helicopters, and surveillance towers to monitor hard-to-reach areas between official points of entry. Counter-drone technology will also be introduced to reinforce security at the border. Legislative changes are being proposed to mandate that port owners provide CBSA officers with space and resources to conduct export inspections, aligning these requirements with existing obligations for imports.

The plan also emphasizes a stronger crackdown on financial crime. The government intends to amend Canada’s anti-money laundering laws to increase penalties for non-compliance and boost oversight of financial institutions. A dedicated task force bringing together law enforcement and the financial sector will focus on dismantling sophisticated money laundering networks that fuel organized crime. “Stronger measures against money laundering will cut off critical funding sources for organized crime groups engaged in drug and firearms trafficking,” said a senior government official.

Increased cooperation with the United States is another cornerstone of the Border Plan. Real-time intelligence sharing between Canadian and U.S. officials is expected to improve the tracking of illegal border crossings, identify trends, and allow for more targeted enforcement actions. The federal government is also proposing the creation of a North American Joint Strike Force to combat transnational organized crime. Domestically, three regional enforcement hubs will be established to bring federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement together to intercept criminal activity more effectively.

Immigration reforms are also central to the plan. The government intends to end “flagpoling,” a practice in which temporary residents exit and immediately re-enter Canada to secure immigration services at the border. Ottawa argues the practice consumes resources and creates unnecessary congestion at ports of entry. Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act will give officials more authority to cancel or suspend immigration documents and applications to prevent misuse of Canada’s immigration system.

The plan takes a firm stance on countries that fail to cooperate in repatriating their citizens when removal orders are issued, introducing potential restrictions on immigration from those nations. The government reaffirmed its commitment to the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States, which requires asylum seekers to file claims in the first safe country they enter. Expanded last year, the agreement now covers the entirety of the Canada-U.S. land border, including waterways.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister LeBlanc stressed the importance of modernizing border operations to ensure national security. “Canadians take pride in the work of our border and law enforcement agencies. This plan gives them the resources they need to continue their vital mission of protecting our communities,” he said.

The plan has received praise for its ambitious scope but will likely face scrutiny over its implementation. Critics have raised questions about whether the proposed measures will be enough to stem the flow of fentanyl into the country, which continues to fuel an overdose crisis in communities across Canada. Minister Saks defended the government’s approach, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated response. “We are investing in tools and resources to address the threat of illegal synthetic drugs. This is an important step in keeping communities safe,” she said.

With cross-border trade and migration central to Canada’s economy, the Border Plan aims to balance security measures with the need to maintain the smooth flow of goods and people. However, the government faces the challenge of delivering on these promises in a way that addresses public safety concerns without disrupting legitimate travel and trade.

This comprehensive approach reflects Ottawa’s broader effort to adapt to evolving border threats while safeguarding Canada’s economic and social stability.

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