Canada’s framework for managing its borders is “not well postured for the challenges of the 21st century,” warned Christian Leuprecht, Distinguished Professor at the Royal Military College of Canada and Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Military Journal, during testimony before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
Leuprecht told MPs that borders have become “among the most politically contentious issues of the 21st century,” and that Canadians expect their government to control “who and what enters the country.”
He noted Canada is “among the very few Western countries that has no exit controls on either cargo or people,” contributing to issues such as car theft and international drug trafficking.
“When we don’t do outbound inspections on containers in the Port of Montreal, when Canadian marijuana shows up by the hundreds of pounds in Germany and Canadian meth in New Zealand, Canada is creating serious problems for our allies,” he said.
Citing a CBC poll showing waning confidence in immigration policy, Leuprecht cautioned that when citizens believe governments are losing control of borders, “a significant portion” may turn to “populist and illiberal measures.”
He emphasized Canada’s unique exposure—sharing a border with both “the largest economy in the world” and “the largest weapons and drug market.”
In 2024, 88 percent of crime guns seized by Toronto Police were traced to the United States. Leuprecht urged Parliament to modernize Canada’s border systems to protect national sovereignty and democratic stability.