Canada’s New Approach to Border Security

As of 2025, Canada has adopted a comprehensive new strategy to strengthen border security, tackle irregular migration, and combat organized crime, particularly the trafficking of synthetic drugs like fentanyl. This approach integrates legislative reforms, technological upgrades, operational coordination, and cross-border collaboration with the United States to ensure national security and immigration integrity.

1. The $1.3 Billion Border Plan

In late 2024, Canada introduced a border plan investing $1.3 billion into security infrastructure and enforcement capabilities. Key components include:

• Expansion of aerial surveillance with drones, helicopters, and mobile monitoring towers
• Deployment of advanced detection technologies, including AI-powered scanners, x-ray systems, and chemical analyzers
• Addition of over 80 detector dog teams across border entry points to intercept drugs and contraband
• Establishment of a Chemical Precursor Risk Management Unit and a Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to accelerate control of illegal substances

2. Enhancing Operational Coordination

Canada has strengthened cooperation across law enforcement and border agencies with initiatives such as:

• A Joint Intelligence Group combining the RCMP, CBSA, CSE, and local police to combat human smuggling and drug trafficking
• A North American Joint Strike Force with the U.S. to synchronize cross-border operations
• Regular federal-provincial-territorial border exercises, beginning with Ontario, to test and improve joint response capabilities

3. Policy Reforms and Legislative Measures

To complement operational changes, Canada introduced key policy updates:

• The Strong Borders Act (Bill C‑2) grants enhanced authority to suspend, cancel, or modify immigration documents and applications
• Expanded powers for CBSA to inspect mail and enforce stricter asylum controls
• New rules allowing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to cancel eTAs and temporary resident visas in cases of fraud or ineligibility

4. Reducing Irregular Migration

Canada has implemented measures to control unauthorized entries and asylum claims:

• Full application of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) along the entire Canada–U.S. land border, reducing daily asylum claims
• Partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals, which significantly decreased asylum claims and illegal crossings
• Official end of flagpoling, where temporary residents exited and re-entered Canada to reset their immigration status, improving resource allocation

5. Enforcement and Border Removal Targets

• In 2024, the CBSA removed over 16,000 individuals and plans to increase removals by 25% in 2025, prioritizing those posing safety and security risks
• IRCC has intensified screening of high-risk visa applicants, reducing fraudulent entries and irregular border activity
• Efforts also focus on faster action against overstays and individuals found in violation of immigration conditions

6. Technological Modernization of Border Processing

Canada is modernizing its border with digital and biometric systems to improve efficiency:

• Traveller Modernization Initiative introduces biometric verification, self-service kiosks, and digital pre-arrival submission of customs and immigration data
• U.S. preclearance facilities allow Canadian officers to screen travelers and goods before they reach Canadian territory, reducing potential risks at entry points

7. Combating Organized Crime and Fentanyl Trafficking

Canada’s strategy also targets the rise in synthetic drug trafficking:

• Appointment of a national coordinator, or “Fentanyl Czar,” to oversee anti-drug efforts
• Formal designation of major organized crime cartels as terrorist entities, providing stronger legal tools for investigation and disruption
• Intensified cross-border intelligence sharing with the U.S. to intercept fentanyl and other synthetic drugs at source

Summary of Key Measures

Conclusion

Canada’s new approach to border security represents a major shift toward high-tech monitoring, stricter immigration enforcement, and closer collaboration with U.S. authorities. By combining legislative reforms, advanced technology, and coordinated law enforcement, the government aims to reduce irregular migration, intercept organized crime, and maintain public safety. While these measures strengthen security, ongoing debate continues over balancing enforcement with fairness and accessibility for legitimate travelers and asylum seekers.