Canada Unveils Comprehensive Border Plan to Enhance Security and Immigration
The Canadian government has announced a sweeping Border Plan, backed by a $1.3 billion investment, to fortify border security, strengthen the immigration system, and ensure the country’s future prosperity. This multi-faceted plan is built around five key pillars.
Pillar 1: Detecting and Disrupting the Fentanyl Trade
To combat the illicit fentanyl trade, the government will:
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Implement artificial intelligence and imaging tools to enhance drug detection at borders ¹
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Deploy new canine teams and chemical detection tools at high-risk ports of entry
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Establish a Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to support 2,000 investigations annually
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Launch a Chemical Precursor Risk Management Unit to monitor precursor chemicals and distribution channels
Pillar 2: Introducing Significant New Tools for Law Enforcement
To bolster law enforcement capabilities:
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will deploy an Aerial Intelligence Task Force, comprising helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers
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New legislative requirements will obligate port owners and operators to provide the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with necessary facilities for export inspections
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The government will invest in expanding the RCMP and Communications Security Establishment’s intelligence collection capacity
Pillar 3: Enhancing Operational Coordination
To improve coordination and cooperation:
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Increased information sharing between Canadian and U.S. officials will enhance real-time intelligence sharing and monitoring of illegal migration trends
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Three regional hubs will be established to bring together federal, provincial, and local law enforcement officers
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A proposed North American Joint Strike Force will target transnational organized crime
Pillar 4: Increasing Information Sharing
To facilitate information sharing:
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Enhanced information sharing arrangements will be established between federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous authorities
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The government will work with international partners to share information and best practices
Pillar 5: Minimizing Unnecessary Border Volumes
To optimize border management:
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The practice of “flagpoling” will be ended, and temporary residents will need to apply for immigration services online
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New restrictions will be imposed on countries that do not facilitate the return of their citizens
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The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) and its Additional Protocol will remain in place to maintain border integrity
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yc58bfa7