Background: Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security—Study on the Review of the Foiled Terrorist Plot in Toronto and of the Security Screening Process (August 28, 2024)

Stats 2023 Year in review

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provides services at 1,200 points across Canada and at 39 international locations.

This section outlines CBSA national statistics for the period between January 1 and October 31, 2023.

Travellers

• 73,669,527 travellers:
  • Air: 29,180,199
  • Highway: 40,837,382
    • including 4,911,934 truck drivers
  • Marine: 3,403,698
  • Rail: 248,248
• 27,060,252 travellers used Primary inspection kiosks
• 85 additional primary inspection kiosks across Canada
• 1.74 million NEXUS members

Commercial goods

• 19.9 million releases^{Footnote 1} of goods into the commerce of Canada following a decision by a Border Services Officer
• 107.7 million courier shipments (only up to September 30, 2023)
• $211.5 billion Trusted Trader value for duty imported^{Footnote 2}
• $32.7 billion total duties and taxes assessed (customs duties, Special Import Measures Act [SIMA] duties, surtaxes, GST and excise taxes)
• Commercial by the numbers:
  • Highway: 4,554,280 trucks
  • Air: 2,718,460 shipments
  • Marine: 1,472,880 containers
  • Rail: 1,532,195 cars

Food, plant and animal

1,613 Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties (AAAMP) issued for food, plant and animal import violations totaling $1,301,600 in penalties.

Enforcement

57,981 seizures^{Footnote 3}, including:

• 589 seizures for a total of 810 firearms seized
• 13,255 seizures for a total of 21,923 weapons seized
• 8,212 illegal drugs seizures
  • Cocaine (including coca leaves, coca paste, cocaine and cocaine crack): 1,475 kilograms
  • Heroin: 88 kilograms
  • Fentanyl: 0.56 kilograms
  • Other opioids (including opium, methadone, morphine and morphine base): 2,701 kilograms
  • Other drugs, narcotics and chemicals: 46,451 kilograms
• 27,407 cannabis seizures totaling 10,068 kilograms
• 1,549 tobacco seizures totaling 662,722 kilograms
• 35 child pornography seizures

Firearms (details)

• Total firearms seized: 810
• Total firearms seizures: 589

Weapons (details)

• Total weapons seized: 21,923
• Total weapon seizures: 13,255

Data sheet: Immigration national security screening

Pre-arrival:

CBSA's Centre for immigration national security screening

Not all asylum claims received by IRCC and CBSA are sent/received for security screening. Certain asylum claimants are exempt from security screening such as minor children (unless a security concern is present) and those who were ineligible to make the claim and left Canada immediately.

CINSS volumes for TR/PR/Front end security screening

CBSA Pre arrival interventions:

The CBSA leverages Advanced Interactive Passenger Information to maintain the integrity of the immigration process and minimize irregular arrivals. The CBSA issues no-board messages to airlines risk was identified in relation to fraud and inadmissibility concerns in broken down as follows.

CBSA Enforcement:

The CBSA refuses entry to Foreign Nationals who are inadmissible and depart directly, issued a removal order and/or are referred to the IRB for a inadmissibility hearing.

Investigations

Detentions/ADT

Hearings

Removals

Border Watch Line

In fiscal year 2023 to 2024, 33,490 tips were received via the Border Watch Line broken down as follows:

• Phone = 10,983
• Fax = 252
• Email = 448
• Mail = 257
• Webform = 21,550
• Total = 33,490

FTE Counts for related functions:

• Security Screening (CINSS): 183
• National Targeting Centre: 316
• Inland Investigations and Removals: 760
• Hearings: 323

Appendix: Countries by document required status

Media scan: Security screening

1. Search: Canada immigration security screening

   Result: Afghan immigration applicant says he's getting mixed signals from Canada on security screening
   Article Title: Afghan immigration applicant says he's getting mixed signals from Canada on security screening
   Summary: The article discusses the delays in the immigration process due to security screening. It focuses on one applicant from Afghanistan who is staying in poor conditions in Pakistan. While there is no specific mention of the CBSA, the article mentions that IRCC's security partners cooperate on the screening

2. Search: Canada immigration security screening

   Result: Chinese students frustrated by lengthy security checks as school year nears
   Article Title: Chinese students frustrated by lengthy security checks as school year nears
   Summary: The article discusses how the CBSA's security screening process has caused delays for a student from China. It mentions that applicants feel that the process is unfair and too long, and a lawyer says that the process is becoming too impacted by geopolitical relations

3. Search: Canada immigration security screening

   Result: Ottawa allowed in half of foreign nationals red-flagged as security risks, audit finds
   Article Title: Ottawa allowed in half of foreign nationals red-flagged as security risks, audit finds
   Summary: The article covers the findings of a CBSA internal audit which found that 46% of non-favourable and inconclusive recommendations from CINSS were overridden by IRCC and resulted in the applicants being admitted to Canada. The article mentions concerns within CBSA regarding the integrity of the program

4. Search: CBSA immigration screening terrorism

   Result: Ottawa reviewing security screening timeline in case of terror plot suspects, minister says
   Article Title: Ottawa reviewing security screening timeline in case of terror plot suspects, minister says
   Summary: The article references the two individuals who were involved in the Toronto terror plot and the concerns with CBSA immigration screening that allowed them to enter

5. Search: Security screening gaza

   Result: Why is Canada asking Palestinians to list scars on Gaza visa applications?
   Article Title: Why is Canada asking Palestinians to list scars on Gaza visa applications?
   Summary: This article does not explicitly mention CBSA, but there are references to security screening. The article mentions the invasive questions people in Gaza are being asked and criticizes the treatment of Palestinians compared to Ukrainians

6. Search: N/A

   Result: Winnipeg man was member of Chinese military branch behind cyber attacks on Canada, officials allege
   Article Title: Winnipeg man was member of Chinese military branch behind cyber attacks on Canada, officials allege
   Summary: The article discusses a man from China who was granted permanent residence in Canada despite being a member of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and working at the military academy of cyber warfare in China. The article suggests that his presence in Canada raises questions about the effectiveness of Ottawa's screening program

7. Search: N/A

   Result: Canada expels Iran's former deputy interior minister
   Article Title: Canada expels Iran's former deputy interior minister
   Summary: The article references the IRB's decision to order the deportation of a former Iranian official. Security screening is not explicitly mentioned, but the article mentions that the CBSA has written 33 inadmissibility reports for national security in 2024, but only one individual has been removed from Canada

8. Search: N/A

   Result: Person of 'national security concern' was accidentally granted permanent residency
   Article Title: Person of 'national security concern' was accidentally granted permanent residency
   Summary: The article discusses how a person of "national security concern" was granted permanent residency "due to a series of failures" by the CBSA and immigration department. No names are provided in the article

9. Search: N/A

   Result: Internal government audit finds 'gaps' in security screening of Syrian refugees
   Article Title: Internal government audit finds 'gaps' in security screening of Syrian refugees
   Summary: The article discusses gaps in the security screening of Syrian refugees which reportedly led to dozens being admitted to Canada without proper vetting. A CBSA audit found that changes to screening procedures for Operation Syrian Refugee introduced some gaps in the security screening process

10. Search: N/A

    Result: Scientist accused of developing Syria's chemical weapons program traced to Edmonton
    Article Title: Scientist accused of developing Syria's chemical weapons program traced to Edmonton
    Summary: The article discusses how CBSA and CSIS conducted security screening on a Syrian national now residing in Edmonton. According to the article, the Syrian national was a scientist in Syria who developed their chemical weapons program

11. Search: N/A

    Result: Canada has a secret program that grants visas to war criminals, terrorists, security threats
    Article Title: Canada has a secret program that grants visas to war criminals, terrorists, security threats
    Summary: The article discusses how the Government of Canada has a program that allows certain high profile foreign nationals who would otherwise be barred from entering the country due to national security concerns, war crimes, human rights violations and organized crime to be granted special "public policy" entry visas so long as it is in Canada's "national interest."

12. Search: Canada security risk visa

    Result: Court decision barring Chinese student sends message about espionage risk, experts say
    Article Title: Court decision barring Chinese student sends message about espionage risk, experts say
    Summary: The article discusses a student from China who was denied a visa to pursue a Ph.D. in Canada due to concerns that he would spy on behalf of Beijing. There is no explicit mention of the CBSA but the inadmissibility relates to espionage and, therefore, s.34(1)(a) of IRPA

13. Search: N/A

    Result: Trudeau Liberals shrugged for years as foreign interference multiplied
    Article Title: Trudeau Liberals shrugged for years as foreign interference multiplied
    Summary: The article discusses Prime Minister Trudeau's accusations of Indian Government involvement in the killing of Harjit Singh Nijjar. The article discusses the possibility that questions will continue to arise surrounding how the government decides to let individuals into Canada

14. Search: N/A

    Result: Key takeaways from newly released Winnipeg lab documents
    Article Title: Key takeaways from newly released Winnipeg lab documents
    Summary: The article mentions two Chinese scientists who were investigated and dismissed from their positions due to espionage concerns. CBSA is not mentioned, but the article highlights CSIS intelligence and "Canadian Eyes Only" security assessments

15. Search: N/A

    Result: Strict vetting pledged for visas (accessible on the Government of Canada network only)
    Article Title: Strict vetting pledged for visas
    Summary: The article discusses the multi-stage security screening process for Palestinians from Gaza applying to a temporary visa program. The article also highlights concerns from a group of immigration lawyers regarding security risks, given that Hamas – a terrorist group – controls Gaza

16. Search: N/A

    Result: Ottawa launches visa program for Palestinians with ties to Canada (accessible on the Government of Canada network only)
    Article Title: Ottawa launches visa program for Palestinians with ties to Canada
    Summary: The article discusses the temporary immigration program, launched by the Government of Canada, for Palestinians with ties to Canada. The article references additional security screening measures that would be in place for family members who are able to travel to Egypt

17. Search: N/A

    Result: Espionage, terrorism, plotting against governments? Numbers offer a glimpse of Canada's security screening - and its problems (accessible on the Government of Canada network only)
    Article Title: Espionage, terrorism, plotting against governments? Numbers offer a glimpse of Canada's security screening - and its problems
    Summary: The article highlights the small fraction of deportations carried out for foreign nationals with alleged involvement in espionage, in terrorism or in bringing down a government. While the title references security screening, the article rather focuses on inland processes

18. Search: N/A

    Result: 'Wild West': Amid foreign meddling headlines, lawyers fear unfair immigration rulings (accessible on the Government of Canada network only)
    Article Title: 'Wild West': Amid foreign meddling headlines, lawyers fear unfair immigration rulings
    Summary: The article discusses concerns surrounding immigration rulings that are based on security screening findings that are not disclosed to applicants

SECU overview and committee biographies

Committee Members: At a glance

About the Committee

SECU was created on April 5, 2006, at the start of the 39th Parliament. The Committee is responsible for one of the largest departmental portfolios, including close to 140 statutes administered by the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and its agencies, including the CBSA.

Committee Mandate

SECU reviews the legislation, policies, programs and expenditure plans of government departments and agencies responsible for public safety and national security, policing and law enforcement, corrections and conditional release of federal offenders, emergency management, crime prevention and the protection of Canada's borders.

The Standing Orders of the House of Commons provide that the committee may review and report on:

• Legislation proposed by the government or Members of Parliament
• Immediate, medium- and long-term expenditure plans, and the effectiveness of their implementation by the department
• An analysis of the relative success of the relevant department, as measured by the results obtained as compared with its stated objectives
• Other matters relating to the mandate, management, organization, or operation of the department in question, as the Committee deems fit

The committee examines the policies, programs and statutes relating to the following departments and agencies:

• Public Safety Canada (PS)
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
• Correctional Service Canada (CSC)
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
• Parole Board of Canada (PBC)
• Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (CRCC)
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee (ERC)
• Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI)

CBSA-related Committee activity since winter 2023

(January 2023 to present)

• Effects of the withdrawn amendments (G-4 and G-46) to Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) – completed on Tuesday, April 25, 2023
• Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms) – Completed and Report presented to the House on Friday, May 12, 2023
• Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instrument – Completed and Report presented to the House on Thursday, November 9, 2023

Current studies

• Growing Problem of Car Thefts in Canada Rights of Victims, Reclassification and Transfer of Federal Offenders
• Mandate and Priorities of the Minister of Public Safety
• Bill C-26, An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts
• Bill S-210, An Act to restrict young persons' online access to sexually explicit material
• 2022 Saskatchewan Mass Murders

Committee Members

Ron McKinnon (Chair)

Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

Profession/Occupation: Computer Systems Analyst

Political experience:

• First elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021
• Former Chair of the Standing Committee on Heath (January 2020 to August 2021)

Doug Shipley (First Vice-Chair)

Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Barrie—Springwater—Oro-Medonte, Ontario

Profession/Occupation: Politician, Small business owner

Political experience:

• First elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021
• Former Member of SECU (February 2020 to August 2021)

Potential key interests: Barrie opioid crisis

Kristina Michaud (Second Vice-Chair)

Political affiliation: Bloc Québécois
Constituency: Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia, Quebec
Critic for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Climate Change, Youth (since 2019)

• Profession/Occupation: Political staffer
• Riding includes Port of Matane (marine, commercial)

Political experience:

• First elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021
• Long-time member (February 2020 to present) and Vice Chair of SECU (October 2020 to present)

Jennifer O'Connell

Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Pickering-Uxbridge, Ontario
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity) (since September 2023)

Profession/Occupation: Politician

Political experience:

• First elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the:
  • Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities (December 2021 to September 2023)
  • Minister of Health (2021)
  • Minister of Finance (March 2018 to September 2019)

Heath Macdonald

Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Malpeque, Prince Edward Island

Profession/Occupation: Politician/ Director

Political experience:

• First Elected in 2021
• Current member of Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (AGRI) and Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (SAGRI)
• Long-time MLA in PEI. Earned recognition from various organizations for his efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities

Chris Bittle

Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: St. Catharines, Ontario
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities (since September 2023)

Profession/Occupation: Politician

Political experience:

• First elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021
• Former Parliamentary Secretary to the:
  • Minister of Canadian Heritage (December 2021 to September 2023)
  • Minister of Environment and Climate Change (March to August 2021)
  • Minister of Transport (December 2019 to March 2021)

Iqwinder Gaheer

Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Mississauga—Malton

Profession/Occupation: Politician and Lawyer

Political experience:

• First elected in 2001
• Member of SECU and INDU

Salma Zahid

Political affiliation: Liberal Party of Canada
Constituency: Scarborough Centre, Ontario

Profession/Occupation: Community organizer working to support women, their families and youth, and served the public in several positions with the Government of Ontario

Political experience:

• First elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021
• Former Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, and was a member of the Special Committee on Afghanistan
• Also a committee member of:
  • the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
  • Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

Alistair MacGregor

Political affiliation: New Democratic Party of Canada
Constituency: Cowichan—Malahat—Langford
NDP Critic for Public Safety

Profession/Occupation: Worked as a tree-planting supervisor and a millworker

Political experience:

• First Elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021
• Also a committee member of:
  • Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Previously the NDP Critic for:
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food
  • Food Price Inflation
  • Deputy Critic for Justice
  • Seniors' Issues, Justice Vice-Chair of the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying

Dane Lloyd

Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Sturgeon River—Parkland, Alberta
Shadow Minister for Emergency Preparedness (since November 2021)

• Profession/Occupation: Politician
• Riding includes Villeneuve Airport (airport of entry)
  "service suspended until further notice"

Political experience:

• First elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2021
• Former Shadow Minister for:
  • Digital Government (September 2020 to February 2021)
  • Rural Economic Development (February 2021 to November 2021)

Glen Motz

Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Medicine Hat—Cardston—Warner

Occupation: Served for 35 years with the Medicine Hat Police Service and retired as Inspector in 2015

Political experience:

• First elected in 2016
• Vice Chair DEDC and Member of SECU
• Previously served on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP)

Frank Caputo

Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
Constituency: Kamloops- Thompson-Cariboo

Occupation: Crown prosecutor and instructor at Thompson Rivers University

Political experience:

• First elected in 2021
• Serves as Associated Shadow Minister for Justice & Attorney General and previously served as the Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs