This initiative aims to address the complexities of border management, especially in relation to the shared border with the United States.
On January 15, 2025, in Ottawa, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, alongside the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced significant updates regarding Canada's ongoing efforts to bolster border security and enhance the integrity of its immigration system. These updates are part of a broader initiative known as Canada’s Border Plan, which was released in December 2024.
To achieve these objectives, key federal agencies, including Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Public Safety, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), have collaborated to implement a variety of measures. These measures focus on reducing unnecessary border traffic, improving information-sharing protocols, and curbing the influx of non-genuine visitors and illegal crossings. The results of these initiatives have already begun to manifest positively, as detailed in an accompanying backgrounder that outlines both the IRCC’s actions and the outcomes achieved thus far.
The Government of Canada is coordinating a substantial investment of $1.3 billion aimed at reinforcing border security and disrupting illegal cross-border activities. This funding will facilitate the enhancement of real-time surveillance capabilities along the Canadian border, including the deployment of 60 new drones and the installation of additional surveillance towers. Furthermore, the government plans to acquire advanced technologies, such as mobile x-ray units and hand-held chemical analyzers, to improve detection and monitoring capabilities.
In anticipation of a potential surge in asylum seekers, the CBSA and RCMP are ensuring that adequate personnel are available to manage increased demands. Notably, the CBSA has successfully removed over 16,000 individuals from Canada in the previous year and aims to increase this number by an additional 25 percent in the current year, as outlined in the Border Plan. Collaborative planning sessions have also been conducted with provincial and territorial governments to ensure a unified approach to border security.
A significant initiative led by Public Safety is the establishment of a Joint Intelligence Group. This group will enhance the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the RCMP and the Communications Security Establishment, allowing for more effective targeting of transnational organized crime and the trafficking of fentanyl and other dangerous substances. Additionally, the RCMP is focusing on improving cooperation and information-sharing between law enforcement and the financial sector to combat sophisticated money laundering operations.
Since the introduction of the Border Plan, the Canadian government has made considerable strides in enhancing border security. The report titled "Securing the Canada-U.S. Border: Actions and Outcomes to Date" highlights these advancements. Minister McGuinty emphasized the importance of border security as a top priority for the government, noting that the progress made in maintaining immigration integrity complements enforcement actions and new detection tools. Minister Miller reiterated the necessity of preserving the integrity of Canada's immigration system, ensuring it remains well-managed, sustainable, and trusted by Canadians.
He highlighted efforts to reduce non-genuine visitors, prevent illegal border crossings, and enhance information-sharing with the U.S. as crucial steps toward safeguarding the safety of both nations. Several quick facts underscore the impact of these measures. The Border Plan's $1.3 billion investment aims to bolster border security through increased personnel, advanced technology, and enhanced surveillance capabilities.
Following the implementation of an additional protocol to the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S., the average number of asylum claims from illegal crossings has plummeted from 165 per day in March 2023 to just 12 per day. Furthermore, the introduction of a partial visa requirement for Mexican nationals has led to a staggering 97% decrease in asylum claims from this group, alongside a 72% reduction in illegal crossings into the U.S. On December 24, 2024, Canada also ended the practice of "flagpoling," which had previously strained border resources. This decision resulted in an immediate 86% decrease in flagpoling.
Source: Canada.ca