Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has introduced new legislation aimed at fortifying Canada’s borders against organized crime and drug trafficking.
Known as Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act focuses on three key areas: cracking down on organized crime and fentanyl smuggling, tightening border controls, and boosting efforts to fight financial crime.
According to government sources, the bill includes provisions that would expand law enforcement powers—allowing officers to act without a warrant in urgent cases, such as intervening in child abuse situations. It also proposes updates to the Canada Post Corporation Act, making it easier for police and postal authorities to search mail involved in criminal probes.
In terms of financial crime, the bill sets new limits on cash transactions over $10,000 and restricts deposits made by one person into another’s account. Officials say these measures won’t affect most Canadians who use electronic payments or traditional banks.
For instance, anyone wanting to pay cash for a large purchase, like an $11,000 motorcycle, would now have to deposit the cash into their own account before transferring it to the seller.
The proposed legislation spans several departments, including Public Safety and the Canada Border Services Agency, and outlines sweeping powers for border officers—such as searching warehouses and transporter facilities. It also enables the Canadian Coast Guard to conduct security patrols and gather intelligence.
On the immigration front, the act gives authorities the ability to cancel, suspend, or reject immigration documents and applications. This aligns with the government’s recent $1.3 billion investment in border security, which includes 24/7 surveillance using helicopters, drones, and watchtowers.
