Canada Unveils Comprehensive Border and Immigration Strengthening Plan

December 17, 2024 – Ottawa, Canada

The Government of Canada has announced an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing border security and fortifying the immigration system. Spearheaded by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, alongside the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the plan introduces a $1.3 billion investment to ensure Canada’s safety, prosperity, and future readiness.

Tackling the Fentanyl Crisis

To combat the illegal trade of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals, the government is:

• Equipping Border Agencies: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will implement advanced artificial intelligence and imaging tools to detect illicit drugs and deploy new chemical detection tools at high-risk entry points.
• Expanding Canine Teams: Over 80 detector dog teams will be trained and deployed nationwide to intercept illegal drugs.
• Strengthening Drug Analysis: Health Canada will establish a Canadian Drug Profiling Centre, enhancing its capacity to support 2,000 annual investigations and accelerating regulatory processes to ban harmful chemical precursors.
• Introducing a Risk Management Unit: A specialized Chemical Precursor Risk Management Unit will oversee precursor chemical distribution and enable timely law enforcement interventions.

Empowering Law Enforcement

Key initiatives include:

• Aerial Intelligence Task Force: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will deploy helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers to enhance surveillance between ports of entry.
• Counter-Drone Technology: Advanced tools will provide continuous monitoring to prevent illegal activities.
• Legislative Updates: New laws will require port owners to provide the CBSA with facilities for export inspections and increase penalties under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA).
• Financial Crime Taskforce: A new taskforce will unite law enforcement with the financial sector to combat sophisticated money laundering schemes and disrupt organized crime networks.

Enhancing Operational Coordination

The government plans to:

• Boost Canada-U.S. Collaboration: Strengthen real-time intelligence sharing to monitor illegal migration trends and organized crime activities.
• Create Regional Hubs: Establish three hubs to enhance enforcement capacity by coordinating federal, provincial, and local efforts.
• Propose a Joint Strike Force: Work with the U.S. to target transnational organized crime through a North American Joint Strike Force.

Streamlining Immigration and Asylum Processes

In an effort to maintain a fair and efficient immigration system, Canada will:

• End Flagpoling: Eliminate the practice where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to access immigration services, freeing up border resources.
• Amend Immigration Laws: Introduce changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enhance the government’s ability to manage immigration documents and applications more effectively.
• Strengthen Asylum Management: Uphold the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S., ensuring asylum claims are made in the first country of entry, thereby preserving border integrity.

Quotes from Leaders

“Canada takes pride in our border and law enforcement agencies that protect our communities and support our economy. The Border Plan will bolster these efforts with the tools and resources they need,” stated Dominic LeBlanc.

Marc Miller emphasized, “We must preserve the integrity of our immigration system, offering protection to the vulnerable while maintaining trust in our processes.”

Ya’ara Saks highlighted, “Our investments address the overdose crisis by enhancing drug analysis and regulatory controls, contributing to safer communities.”

Quick Facts

• Budget 2024 allocates $743.5 million over five years to stabilize Canada’s asylum system.
• Following a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals in February 2024, asylum claims dropped significantly.
• Health Canada’s new initiatives, including the Canadian Drug Profiling Centre and Precursor Risk Management Unit, will enhance drug monitoring and analysis capabilities.

Through these measures, Canada reaffirms its commitment to border security, effective immigration management, and the safety of its communities while maintaining robust cooperation with international partners.