Carney government introduces bill to beef up border security
The Carney government has introduced an omnibus bill to combat cross-border organized crime, the flow of illegal fentanyl, money laundering and the backlog in refugee claims.
The Strong Borders Act would amend the Customs Act and Oceans Act, as well other regulations, to enhance the power of border agents, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and immigration officials in tackling cross-border criminal activity.
'Our government made a commitment to keep our communities safe and work with our American partners to strengthen our border,' Public Safety Minister
Gary Anandasangaree said in a statement Tuesday.
'The
Strong Borders Act
will help us tackle organized crime, and further equip our border and law enforcement agencies with the authorities and resources they need to keep our border secure — for both American and Canadian communities.'
Amid the trade war with the United States, the Liberals have been trying to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump's administration that Canada is doing its part to stop the flow of drugs and migrants. The new bill will expand on the $1.3 billion worth of measures introduced earlier this year under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
The earlier Canadian measures included enhanced, around-the-clock surveillance of the border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers, which have resulted in some high-profile interceptions of illegal drugs and migrants at the border.
Some new initiatives introduced on Tuesday include:
If passed, the bill would also amend the Criminal Code and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act
to facilitate law enforcement's access to basic information and data, and amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act to ensure CSIS's investigative tools also keep pace.
The Canada Post Corporation Act will also be changed to remove barriers that prevent police from searching the mail to advance a criminal investigation and expand Canada Post's inspection authority to open mail.
In addition, electronic service providers would have the capabilities to support law enforcement agencies and CSIS in criminal and intelligence investigations by compelling them to fulfil legally authorized requests to access or intercept information and communications.
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