The Rising Threat of Organized Crime in Canada: A Call to Action
Organized crime, particularly cartel activity, has become a growing concern in Canada over the past decade. According to Jody Thomas, a former national security advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the prevalence of cartel operations in the country has significantly increased compared to previous years. Thomas warns that if left unchecked, this could escalate into a national crisis. The Canadian government has recently taken a significant step by designating seven transnational criminal organizations, including several drug cartels, as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. This move is expected to provide law enforcement agencies with enhanced tools to combat these groups, particularly by targeting their financial networks. Thomas emphasized that organized crime, in any form, poses a direct threat to the safety and security of Canadians.
The Operations of Cartels in Canada: A Growing Challenge
The Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) has highlighted the escalating involvement of organized crime groups in the production and distribution of fentanyl, a highly dangerous synthetic opioid. According to a recent report, the majority of fentanyl manufacturing operations are concentrated in British Columbia and Ontario. Beyond these provinces, criminal groups are actively involved in the distribution and trafficking of the drug, often collaborating with street gangs and outlaw motorcycle clubs to expand their reach. Additionally, the report revealed a 42% increase in fentanyl-related activities since 2019, surpassing cocaine as a key focus for many criminal organizations. These groups are increasingly connecting with Latin American cartels to facilitate drug shipments and with American groups to smuggle firearms into Canada.
The Impact on Public Health and Safety
The rise in cartel activity has had devastating consequences for public health and safety in Canada. In recent years, the country has seen a sharp increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, seizures, and overall production. This has been accompanied by a surge in gun violence and gang-related crimes, creating a volatile environment in many communities. Thomas stressed that these developments underscore the urgent need for decisive action to curtail the influence of organized crime. By designating these groups as terrorist entities, the government aims to disrupt their financial operations and undermine their ability to operate within Canada. Agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) will now have greater authority to identify and prosecute individuals and businesses that support these criminal networks.
A Strategic Response: Combating Cartels Through Financial Disruption
The decision to label transnational criminal organizations as terrorist entities is part of a broader strategy to combat organized crime in Canada. This designation allows law enforcement agencies to employ tools traditionally used against terrorist groups, such as freezing assets, seizing property, and prosecuting individuals who provide financial or logistical support to these organizations. Jody Thomas described this approach as "enormously helpful" in disrupting the operations of cartel-affiliated groups. By targeting their financial networks, the government hopes to cripple their ability to fund illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and weapons smuggling. This strategy also sends a clear message to criminal organizations that their actions will not be tolerated and that Canada is committed to protecting its citizens from the threats they pose.
Canada-U.S. Collaboration: Addressing Shared Security Challenges
The move to designate cartels as terrorist organizations was also influenced by Canada’s ongoing discussions with the United States. During his presidency, Donald Trump pressed Canada to take stronger action against migrant crossings and the trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S. The two countries agreed on several border security measures, with Canada committing to increased efforts to address these issues. While Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Trudeau, have noted progress in these areas, the need for continued collaboration remains critical. Thomas highlighted the importance of building resilience in the face of evolving security challenges, emphasizing that Canada’s national security is closely tied to its economic and environmental security.
Building a Resilient Future: Economic Security and International Partnerships
Jody Thomas underscored the importance of diversifying international trade and reducing internal trade barriers to strengthen Canada’s economic security. She also emphasized the need for Canada to demonstrate its reliability as a partner in global security, particularly in the Arctic region. As a key player in Arctic security, Canada must work closely with the U.S. and NATO to address emerging threats in the region. To achieve this, Thomas stressed the importance of meeting NATO’s defense spending target of at least 2% of GDP, a goal that Canada has not yet reached. "The time is now," she said, urging swift action to build confidence among allies and ensure Canada’s position as an indispensable partner in global security.
By taking proactive measures to combat organized crime, address shared security challenges with the U.S., and invest in its own resilience, Canada can navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and strength. The fight against cartels and transnational criminal organizations is not just about law enforcement; it is about safeguarding the well-being of Canadians and upholding the country’s values of safety, security, and prosperity.
