The committee studied Canada-U.S. border management, hearing from officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Privy Council Office, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Aaron McCrorie of the CBSA described the agency's work at 1,200 ports of entry, including intelligence-led targeting of contraband and bad actors. He noted that a $355-million border plan is funding new officers, detection technology, and operations like Operation Blizzard, which seized over 2,600 narcotics and precursors. He reported that from April to September 2025, the CBSA removed 10,585 inadmissible people and is working toward 20,000 removals by March 2026, with 30 new frontline personnel hired for that purpose.
Shannon Grainger of Public Safety Canada outlined her department's policy leadership and coordination with U.S. Department of Homeland Security, noting that Canada's $1.3-billion border plan is showing results, including a 99% decrease in southbound irregular migration since last summer. She emphasized that U.S. data consistently shows less than 1% of fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from Canada, and that Bill C-2, the strong borders act, would support shared Canada-U.S. objectives.
Gerard Peets of the Privy Council Office's fentanyl czar office stated that fentanyl consumed in Canada is largely made from imported precursor chemicals, with a significant source being China. He reiterated that Canada is not the source of the U.S. fentanyl crisis, citing U.S. Customs and Border Protection data showing about one-tenth of 1% of fentanyl seized is attributable to the northern border region. He noted that the fentanyl czar engages regularly with U.S. counterparts, who appreciate Canada's actions, and that the office works with Health Canada on demand-side responses.
Sean McGillis of the RCMP described the force's responsibility for securing borders between ports of entry, including through an aerial intelligence task force with helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers. He highlighted initiatives under the border plan, such as a North American joint strike force targeting organized crime and fentanyl, and the integrated money laundering intelligence partnership with big banks. He noted that Bill C-2 proposes measures to secure the border, combat transnational crime, and disrupt illicit financing.
Jamie McGowan of the RCMP confirmed that three Black Hawk helicopters are operating under Canadian aviation regulations for aerial work, but deferred to Transport Canada on whether they still operate under a special airworthiness certificate. He stated that the RCMP's operational requirements led to the Black Hawk as the only platform meeting those needs through a pre-qualified standing offer, and that a long-term lease will go to an open procurement process.
Jennifer Lutfallah of the CBSA explained that 36 new border officers are in training for deployment by March 2026, and that the border action plan provides over $300 million to increase detection technology inventory by 25% over five years. She detailed tools used at ports, including large-scale imaging, detector dog teams, and ion mobility spectrometry, and noted that container scanning is risk-based, with every container assessed before arrival. She acknowledged awareness of mayors' requests for flexibility at small ports but stated that adequate infrastructure and officers are needed for container clearance.
After testimony, a member moved to make the in-camera testimony public. Following debate, the chair ruled the motion out of order as a procedural matter, but the committee later agreed by consensus to make the testimony public.
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