Canada’s border security apparatus faces critical vulnerabilities, particularly concerning rail transport, raising serious concerns about the nation’s ability to effectively monitor and control the influx of illicit goods and individuals. Mark Weber, president of the Customs and Immigration Union, has highlighted the complete absence of infrastructure and procedures to inspect train cargo, leaving Canada blind to the contents of railcars crossing its borders. This vulnerability extends beyond rail to maritime ports, where less than one percent of containers undergo scrutiny due to severe staff and equipment shortages. This lack of oversight creates a significant security gap, potentially allowing the unimpeded flow of contraband, including drugs and undocumented individuals.
The vulnerability of rail transport to illicit activities is not a theoretical concern but a demonstrable reality. In 2019, a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, concealed within spare tires of new vehicles transported by rail from Mexico, was discovered in Ontario, with the shipment extending to Quebec and New Brunswick. This incident underscores the potential for large-scale smuggling operations to exploit the lack of rail cargo inspections. A 2009 report further revealed the inadequacy of railcar screening, with a mere two officers tasked with inspecting approximately 400,000 railcars and containers annually, highlighting a long-standing systemic failure to address this security vulnerability. Calls for increased resources and enhanced screening procedures have emanated from various sources, including British Columbia officials concerned about the influx of fentanyl and related equipment from China through ports. These concerns echo a broader critique of Canada’s port security, likened to the lax enforcement depicted in the film “On the Waterfront.”
The border security challenges are exacerbated by staffing shortages within the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Weber emphasizes that the reliance on self-declaration kiosks at airports, while technologically advanced, diminishes security by reducing human interaction and the ability to detect deception. He estimates a deficit of 2,000 to 3,000 CBSA personnel, hindering the agency’s capacity to fulfill its core mandate of border enforcement, intelligence gathering, and the identification and removal of individuals residing in the country illegally. This shortage extends to inland enforcement, where a limited number of officers struggle to locate and deport undocumented individuals, often relying on self-reporting, a notoriously unreliable method.
Despite the staffing constraints, the CBSA has seen an increase in deportation orders and enforced removals in recent years. The number of deportation orders issued in 2023, as of November 18th, surpassed previous full-year totals since 2016. Similarly, enforced removals, while typically about half the number of deportation orders, have also increased. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has highlighted these figures as record highs. However, the union leader argues that the overall staffing deficiencies within the CBSA continue to pose a significant challenge, especially regarding intelligence gathering and proactive identification of threats. The lack of interaction with the majority of travelers entering the country creates a blind spot, limiting the agency’s awareness of potential risks and preventing targeted interventions.
The CBSA, while acknowledging the staffing challenges, asserts its ongoing commitment to intelligence gathering and monitoring of organized crime activities, including efforts to track fentanyl trafficking and the potential infiltration of Mexican cartels. However, Weber contends that these efforts are hampered by the sheer volume of individuals entering the country without thorough screening. This lack of direct interaction with travelers restricts the agency’s ability to proactively identify potential threats and respond effectively. He further expresses concerns about the CBSA’s preparedness for a potential surge in individuals seeking refuge in Canada from the United States, given the stated intentions of the then incoming US President regarding mass deportations. This anticipated influx would likely involve crossings between official entry points, posing an additional challenge for the RCMP, who are responsible for patrolling these areas.
The RCMP, while acknowledging the existing flow of individuals and illicit goods, including firearms, across the U.S.-Canada border, asserts its readiness to address potential increases in border crossings. Brian Sauvé, president of the National Police Federation, highlights the RCMP’s capacity to deploy additional resources, including newly graduated cadets, to bolster border security. He emphasizes the record number of applicants to the RCMP Academy, ensuring a steady supply of potential recruits to supplement existing border security personnel. While the RCMP emphasizes its current border posture remains unchanged, Sauvé advocates for increased long-term investments to enhance manpower and resources dedicated to federal policing roles along the border. This call for enhanced resources aligns with the Public Safety Minister’s commitment to bolster border security personnel and equipment in advance of the then upcoming US presidential inauguration.
