June 3, 2025

Équité Association Commends Public Safety Canada’s Strong Borders Act to Combat Transnational Organized Crime, Including Auto Theft, Drug and Firearms Trafficking

Équité Association Commends Public Safety Canada’s Strong Borders Act to Combat Transnational Organized Crime, Including Auto Theft, Drug and Firearms Trafficking

TORONTO, ON – June 3, 2025 – Équité Association today expressed strong support for Public Safety Canada’s introduction of Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, announced by the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. This crucial legislation, building on the existing $1.3 billion Border Plan, is a vital step forward in securing the border against transnational organized crime, including auto theft, and further empowering the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

“Équité applauds the federal government’s decisive action in introducing the Strong Borders Act,” said Terri O’Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer of Équité Association. “This legislation directly supports law enforcement and the CBSA in strengthening their ability to combat sophisticated criminal networks threatening the safety and security of communities across Canada. We are particularly encouraged by the enhanced authorities granted to CBSA and law enforcement agencies, which will strengthen our collective ability to disrupt illegal operations, including the trafficking and distribution of drugs and firearms funded by the proceeds of auto theft.”

The proposed legislation includes key measures that Équité believes will have a direct and positive impact on reducing insurance crime, including auto theft and protecting Canadians:

  1. Securing the border through amendments to the Customs Act and the Oceans Act.
  2. Combating transnational organized crime and fentanyl through amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Cannabis Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA), and Canada Post Corporation Act, as well as new provisions to enable the timely and lawful access to information in furtherance of investigations.
  3. Disrupting illicit financing through amendments to the PCMLTFA and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Act, providing more tools to combat money laundering and other financial crimes, and related amendments to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act to strengthen anti-money laundering supervision, compliance, and enforcement, and address some of the most prevalent forms of money laundering.

Équité looks forward to continuing to advocate for a multi-faceted approach to combat insurance crime, including enhanced border security, stronger law enforcement capabilities, and increased collaboration among all stakeholders. The Strong Borders Act represents a significant step forward, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing this pressing issue and further protecting Canadians from the devastating impact of transnational organized crime.

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About Équité Association

As the national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention, Équité Association is a not-for-profit organization supporting Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurers. Équité combats the insurance crime problem that takes advantage of vulnerable Canadians by deploying advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated investigations. Delivering improved service and fraud analytics for vehicle, property, and cargo recovery to its members, Équité collaborates with law enforcement, partners and industry organizations to protect Canadians against exploitation.

For more information, contact Michelle Robichaud, Director, Media Relations, Équité Association, media@equiteco.ca.