Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this debate on Bill C‑2, the strong borders act. The government's number one responsibility is to keep families, children and our communities safe. We must bear this in mind as we analyze Bill C‑2, an ambitious but necessary piece of legislation to correct a number of shortcomings observed over the years. This bill will help us address some of today's most pressing public safety risks.
The first thing everyone needs to understand is that this bill is part of and consistent with Canada's border plan. We appointed a fentanyl czar and added several cartels to the list of terrorist entities in the Criminal Code. In addition, we recruited 1,000 new customs officers and 1,000 new police officers. We have adopted advanced artificial intelligence technology, deployed drones and helicopters and brought in fentanyl-detecting dogs. More generally, we now have better coordination with our partners. Other measures to protect our communities will follow. These include the removal of assault weapons and making bail more difficult for repeat offenders convicted of violent crimes and certain other types of particularly repugnant crimes, such as breaking and entering into a home while people are present.
Law enforcement officers are doing their job, but until recently, they have been hampered by certain provisions of the law that have unduly complicated their work. In recent years, it has become clear that, in many circumstances, the law has hindered customs officers and RCMP investigators, preventing them from stopping crime and conducting investigations to punish those who break the law. Meanwhile, criminals have increasingly sophisticated equipment at their disposal and are constantly innovating with new tactics. In short, it is important to modernize the framework within which law enforcement operates to effectively combat the ever-evolving tactics of criminals, particularly transnational gangs.
Canadians care deeply about the rights and protections afforded to them by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The government heard that message loud and clear, which is why each section of the bill has been carefully considered. At the same time, Canadians expect the government to act effectively and send a clear message that it will never tolerate any form of crime, particularly crimes such as human trafficking. Making laws is one thing, but we must also provide the means by which to enforce them. This government is committed to enforcing these laws. It is a matter of fairness. In this country, the notion that crime pays will not be tolerated. It is therefore important to give law enforcement officers the means to do the job we expect them to do.
In order to accomplish that, first, when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed, peace officers must be able to better plan their investigations. More specifically, they must be able to communicate with public service providers without the need for prior judicial authorization. No actual personal information will be shared. Rather, peace officers will be able to find out whether the service provider provided services to the subscriber and, if so, whether the service provider has information regarding that person. If the peace officer wants to take things further, they must then go through the proper channels to get a warrant to get that information. The intention here is to enable law enforcement officers to fight crime effectively while ensuring that legal safeguards remain in place to protect access to personal information. As a result, I would like to reassure Canadians that the legislation complies with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as applied in the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling in Bykovets and the ruling rendered by Justice Boone of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The act also aims to stem the international flow of proceeds of crime and terrorist financing activities. Bill C‑2 authorizes banks to collect and use personal information when they have reason to believe that certain transactions are a front for money laundering activities. The act also prevents third parties from depositing cash in amounts exceeding $10,000. By making it harder to move money, it becomes harder for transnational organized crime to operate. This government is determined to take action on money laundering.
Similarly, Bill C‑2 aims to get tough on the same international criminal organizations in a number of other ways. One of its major aims is to limit the flow of fentanyl to and from Canada. The bill allows the deployment of additional officers and provides tools to stop drugs from being imported and exported by mail. This will be especially useful in northern territories and rural municipalities where trafficking often occurs by regular mail, as my colleague, the member for Eglinton—Lawrence, explained so well. As things stand, letters cannot be inspected, even with a proper warrant. In cases where reasonable doubt exists, the bill proposes that mail now be opened.
Finally, the bill allows fentanyl precursor chemicals to be listed in the schedule of illicit substances to prevent them from entering Canada. To that end, there will be a new accelerated scheduling pathway that will enable the Department of Health to quickly list new products. New fentanyl precursors are appearing every month. If we want to intercept them at the border and ensure strict federal oversight, we need to have an up-to-date registry. With a new Canadian drug analysis centre, we will also be able to determine not only the content of these drugs, but also their origin, because of the chemical markers.
The overdose crisis continues to have a significant impact on Canadian families and communities across the country. The ravages of fentanyl are visible in all of our downtown urban cores. We need action. Even when illicit fentanyl use does not result in death, it causes serious and often permanent harm, especially among the most vulnerable members of society. Bill C‑2 tackles the fentanyl problem head-on. As a physician, I know all too well that addiction is a complex problem, and there is no single or easy answer. However, reducing the availability of illicit drugs in our cities remains a key measure that no one should be questioning.
The bill also takes action in other areas, such as the illegal export of automobiles. Until now, customs efforts have focused on goods entering Canada. Going forward, the government wants to take even more drastic action by effectively cutting off the main market for car dealers, namely, the market outside Canada.
The bill also gives the Canadian Coast Guard a new role. Its current mandate is to ensure the safety of all mariners in Canadian waters. We are adding new responsibilities related to national security. From now on, the Coast Guard will be able to continuously monitor suspicious movements, patrol, and facilitate the interception of illegal shipments.
Finally, the bill facilitates the fight against sex offenders and child pornography on the Internet by enabling Canada to work better with its international partners.
The government is convinced that these measures are necessary to combat transnational crime in the 21st century, and it is not alone. Several organizations are saying the same thing, including the National Police Federation, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, which states that “[p]roposed changes by the federal government that would reduce barriers Canadian police face when investigating the growing number of online crimes…have the full support of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection”.
Bill C‑2 reinforces Canadians' security by making major changes. It will prevent irregular migration and mass movements of people. Basically, it aims to protect the Canadian immigration process.
Our government's absolute priorities are protecting our communities and the prosperity of our economy. These priorities go hand in hand. A strong economy requires safe and secure borders. Our economy cannot prosper unless we introduce tough measures to fight crime. That is why I urge all members to support Bill C‑2.