Canada’s Border Security Measures: A Step in the Right Direction, But Not Enough

The federal government’s recent investments in border security, spurred largely by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade threats, are a necessary step—but they fall short of addressing the long-standing vulnerabilities at our borders. While Ottawa has poured over $1 billion into new equipment and security measures, the underlying issues remain largely unaddressed.

Canada has long neglected its border security, and now, under external pressure, we are scrambling to make up for lost time. Former border agents from both Canada and the U.S. are sounding the alarm, highlighting the disorganization and lack of a cohesive strategy. Kelly Sundberg, a former Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) official, rightfully points out that these issues should have been tackled years ago. The reality is that Canada has relied too much on outdated systems, and only now—when economic repercussions loom—are we making an effort to improve security.

One of the central issues at hand is the fentanyl crisis. Trump’s claim that Canada isn’t doing enough to stop fentanyl from reaching the U.S. may be exaggerated, but it isn’t entirely baseless. The Canadian government has touted a 90% reduction in fentanyl seizures at the border over the past month, but former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer Keith Cozine warns that seasonal drops in drug trafficking are normal. Whether these measures will be effective long-term remains to be seen.

However, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture: Canada is responsible for less than one percent of fentanyl entering the U.S. The majority of illicit drugs crossing the U.S. border come from Mexico. So why is Trump fixated on Canada? The answer lies in leverage. By tying border security to trade tariffs, he is using economic threats to force Canada’s hand. But while Canada scrambles to placate U.S. demands, we should be asking: Are we securing our border for our own safety, or simply to avoid penalties?

Beyond the fentanyl issue, there are other critical weaknesses that Canada must address. Gun trafficking from the U.S. into Canada remains a significant problem. Security checks for shipping containers arriving by boat or train are inadequate. Our immigration system, which has operated largely on an honor-based system, needs reform to prevent security risks.

Even at official points of entry, our border security measures lag behind those of the U.S. As Cozine notes, the U.S. often intercepts individuals who entered Canada first, meaning our screening processes are failing to identify potential risks. Canada needs more thorough biodata screening and a more robust process for identifying and deporting individuals who overstay their visas or pose security threats. The fact that only 400 CBSA officers nationwide are responsible for identifying, arresting, and deporting unlawful non-citizens is a glaring issue.

The solution isn’t just throwing money at the problem. It requires legislative changes, including amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Customs Act, the Criminal Code, and the Canada Border Services Agency Act. Sundberg has proposed transforming the CBSA into the “Canada Border Security Agency” and implementing independent oversight—an idea that deserves serious consideration.

Canada’s border security problems are not new. They have simply been thrust into the spotlight due to Trump’s aggressive stance. Instead of reactive measures designed to appease a foreign leader, we need a long-term, proactive approach to securing our borders. This means better screening, more personnel, stricter enforcement, and a commitment to protecting Canadian sovereignty—not just responding to American demands.

At the end of the day, press releases and temporary measures won’t fix the problem. Real, structural changes will.