CPA ACP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bill C-2 Would Deliver Critical Tools for Police to Combat Organized Crime and Trafficking, Says Canadian Police Association

OTTAWA – The Canadian Police Association welcomes the introduction of Bill C-2, the Stronger Borders Act, and are encouraged that the first substantive piece of legislation introduced in this new Parliament focuses on public safety. Our Association believes this sends a strong and timely signal that the new government is taking seriously the increasing threats posed by organized crime, illicit trafficking, and other public safety concerns that directly affect Canadians.

If passed, this proposed legislation would provide critical new tools for law enforcement, border services, and intelligence agencies to address transnational organized crime, auto theft, firearms and drug trafficking, and money laundering. It’s important to emphasize that these are not abstract issues, our members see first-hand that they have real impacts in communities across the country and require a coordinated and modern legislative response.

The Bill includes important updates that would strengthen information sharing between federal and local agencies, which is essential to the success of multi-jurisdictional investigations and recognizes the reality that border security is increasingly not the sole responsibility of the RCMP. In many communities located near border crossings, local police services are called upon to play a central role in enforcing our border-related laws. Giving these agencies access to better intelligence and more timely information will significantly improve public safety outcomes.

We are also encouraged by measures that would support the work of the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canadian Coast Guard by closing long-standing gaps in inspection and enforcement capacity. These steps, combined with new authorities for front-line law enforcement across the country, would help disrupt criminal operations at key points of entry and within domestic supply and distribution chains.

The proposed steps to disrupt the importation of illegal fentanyl and precursor chemicals are also crucial. A faster scheduling process will allow for a more agile response to substances that fuel the opioid crisis and continue to cause immeasurable harm in communities across Canada.

Bill C-2 would also strengthen the ability of police to investigate and disrupt complex criminal networks by enhancing anti-money laundering enforcement, expanding data-sharing with trusted domestic and international partners, and improving access to information across jurisdictions. New provisions allowing Canadian law enforcement to share information collected under the Sex Offender Information Registration Act would support more effective cooperation in cross-border investigations. Additionally, the proposed mechanism to access data held by service providers in other countries acknowledges the reality that modern criminal investigations rarely stop at the border. These updates would help ensure that Canadian police have the tools and intelligence they need to hold offenders accountable, regardless of where they operate.

If passed, Bill C-2 would give police services the legal tools needed to respond more effectively to evolving threats. We look forward to working with all Members of Parliament as they give this legislation serious consideration, and we support its timely passage.

The Canadian Police Association is the national voice for over 60,000 front-line law enforcement personnel serving across every province and territory. As the largest law enforcement advocacy organization in Canada, we are committed to supporting legislation that helps keep our members and the communities they serve safe.

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For additional information:

Michael Gendron

Communications Officer, Canadian Police Association

mgendron@cpa-acp.ca / 613-299-6516