Canada’s federal government has unveiled a landmark piece of legislation aimed at bolstering border security, combatting organized crime, targeting the fentanyl crisis, and strengthening immigration and asylum systems. Introduced by the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, the Strong Borders Act is being touted as a comprehensive strategy to “keep Canadians safe” by providing law enforcement agencies with enhanced tools and authority.
“Our government made a commitment to keep our communities safe and work with our American partners to strengthen our border,” said Minister Anandasangaree. “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.”
A central pillar of the legislation focuses on hardening Canada’s borders and safeguarding its immigration system. The bill proposes amendments to the Customs Act, requiring operators at ports of entry and exit to provide facilities for border inspections. It also grants the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) increased authority to examine goods in warehouses and transportation facilities. These measures are aimed at stopping the illegal flow of weapons, drugs, and stolen vehicles.
The Oceans Act will also be amended to expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s role to include national security responsibilities such as patrols and intelligence-gathering.
“Expanding the Canadian Coast Guard’s services to include security activities will help ensure the protection and sovereignty of our vast coasts and waterways,” said the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries. “With our extensive fleet and experience on the water, we are well positioned to make a significant contribution to Canada’s national security, making the country stronger, more adaptable, and more responsive.”
The legislation introduces tougher rules to manage surges in asylum claims and gives Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the power to suspend or cancel immigration documents and applications.
“Canada is taking action to respond to rising migration pressures,” said the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “We’re improving security at the Canada-US border and making our immigration and asylum systems stronger, more flexible, and responsive to new and developing pressures. This is about protecting the integrity of our system while building a safer and more resilient Canada.”
The legislation establishes a fast-track mechanism to regulate precursor chemicals that can be used to produce fentanyl and other illicit drugs. It also introduces the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act (SAAIA), which requires digital service providers to comply with law enforcement requests for legally authorized access to data and communications.
“This legislation will give Canada stronger tools in the fight against fentanyl so together with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and public health and law enforcement partners, we can save lives and keep our communities safe,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health.
In addition, the Criminal Code, the CSIS Act, and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act will be updated to give law enforcement and intelligence agencies the ability to access data more efficiently — with appropriate legal oversight — to combat cybercrime, trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
“Canada’s criminal laws must keep pace with an evolving landscape,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. “This legislation strengthens the tools available to law enforcement to detect and investigate serious crimes, while upholding the Charter rights of people in Canada and respecting the rule of law.”
To address the increasing threat of money laundering and terrorism financing, the bill strengthens Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime. New measures include stricter penalties, limitations on large cash transactions and third-party deposits, and improved information-sharing between financial institutions and law enforcement. The bill also formally integrates FINTRAC into Canada’s Financial Institutions Supervisory Committee (FISC).
“Canada is stepping up in the fight against transnational financial crime,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue. “This bill will strengthen supervision and enforcement to combat money laundering and terrorist financing – reinforcing our government’s commitment to stop illicit financial flows.”
Postal Security and Public Health Protection
Proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act remove long-standing legal barriers that have prevented police from searching mail in criminal investigations. Canada Post inspectors will also be granted new powers to open mail suspected of containing illicit substances, with proper authorization.
“Canada’s new Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians,” said the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement. “The proposed amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act will help stop the flow of drugs in Canada. This will help to prevent thousands of overdoses and save lives.”
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