Strengthening Border Security: A Work in Progress
The recent efforts by the Canadian federal government to bolster border security and address concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump have been met with a mix of acknowledgment and criticism. While the government has invested over $1 billion in new equipment and security measures to combat drug trafficking and irregular migration, former border agents from both Canada and the U.S. argue that these measures are insufficient to resolve long-standing issues. The tensions between the two nations have been heightened by Trump’s threats of imposing sweeping tariffs on Canada, tied to concerns about fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration. Despite these investments, experts and former officials emphasize that a more coordinated and forward-looking approach is needed to ensure border security and address the root causes of these challenges.
The Pressure from the U.S. and Canada’s Response
The U.S. government, under President Trump, has been vocal about its concerns regarding the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, and migrants across the Canada-U.S. border. In February, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, with a 10% levy specifically on Canadian energy products. While he paused these tariffs for 30 days, he made it clear that they would be reinstated if Canada and Mexico did not significantly reduce the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S. The Canadian government has sought to address these concerns by highlighting progress made in disrupting fentanyl production and trafficking, as well as increasing border security measures. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other cabinet ministers have pointed to a 90% drop in fentanyl seizures at the border over the past month. However, Trump has dismissed these claims, stating that Canada has not made sufficient progress in stopping fentanyl trafficking.
The Effectiveness of Current Measures
former Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) official Kelly Sundberg and former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer Keith Cozine have both expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the current measures. Sundberg noted that while the investments are welcome, the approach to border security has been disorganized and chaotic. He emphasized that Canada has neglected its border security for a long time and that the pressure from the U.S. has exposed these issues. Cozine, on the other hand, pointed out that the drop in fentanyl seizures at the Canada-U.S. border in January—less than 14 grams seized, the lowest since 2023—does not necessarily indicate a significant reduction in trafficking. He suggested that the winter months typically see a natural decline in border encounters, and it is unclear whether the recent drop is part of a larger trend or just a seasonal fluctuation.
The Bigger Picture: Comparisons with the Southern Border
While the situation at the Canada-U.S. border has garnered significant attention, it is important to put it into perspective. According to U.S. and Canadian government data, less than 1% of the fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Canada. Similarly, only about 6% of irregular migrant encounters occur at the northern border, compared to the much larger numbers seen at the southern border with Mexico. Cozine acknowledged that the situation at the northern border "pales in comparison" to the challenges posed by the southern border, where the majority of U.S. border security resources are deployed. Despite this, Sundberg and other experts argue that the security threats at the Canada-U.S. border still need to be addressed comprehensively.
Internal Security Threats and the Need for Reforms
The challenges at the Canada-U.S. border are not limited to external threats. Sundberg highlighted several internal security issues that need to be addressed, including the illegal trafficking of guns from the U.S. into Canada, the need for enhanced security checks on shipping containers arriving by boat or train, and the implementation of more robust biodata screening at ports of entry. He also criticized Canada’s "honour-based migration program," which he believes has exposed the country to significant security risks, particularly when combined with the high influx of foreign nationals through temporary visa programs. Cozine added that the biggest issue for joint Canada-U.S. border security is at official points of entry, where individuals intent on entering the U.S. often first enter Canada with little screening.
The Call for Legislative and Structural Reforms
Both Sundberg and Cozine agree that the current measures are insufficient and that more sweeping reforms are needed to address the root causes of these challenges. Sundberg called for legislative changes to key laws such as the Immigration Refugee Protection Act, the Customs Act, the Criminal Code, and the Canada Border Services Agency Act. He also proposed transforming the CBSA into the "Canada Border Security Agency" and establishing independent oversight to ensure accountability and transparency. Additionally, he emphasized the need for more border agents to identify, arrest, and remove individuals who pose a security risk or fail to leave the country when required. With only 400 officers currently tasked with these responsibilities, Sundberg described the situation as "theatre," given the vast size of the country and the volume of traffic at the borders. In conclusion, while the recent measures are a step in the right direction, much more needs to be done to ensure the security and sovereignty of Canada’s borders. As Sundberg aptly put it, "It’s time to stop doing press releases and actually start protecting our border."
