Prime Minister Carney Announces Major Border Security Expansion to Protect Canadians

New measures will hire 1,000 CBSA officers, strengthen enforcement, and modernize benefits for frontline responders

NIAGARA REGION — In a bid to strengthen national security and combat organized crime, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced sweeping new border security measures on Friday as part of Canada’s upcoming 2025 federal budget.

The plan includes the hiring of 1,000 new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers, marking one of the largest expansions of the agency’s workforce in recent years. The new recruits will help crack down on illegal firearms, drugs, and stolen goods while enhancing enforcement of import laws and trade fairness.

“Our government is relentlessly focused on protecting our border, our country, and our way of life,” said Prime Minister Carney. “We’re securing our sovereignty, combatting crime, and building safer communities. Together, we are building Canada strong.”

Key Budget Measures

The initiative, aimed at modernizing Canada’s border operations, includes:

• Increased recruitment support: CBSA’s weekly recruit stipend will rise from $125 to $525 — its first increase since 2005 — to help attract and retain qualified officers.

• Enhanced benefits for frontline responders: Amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act will allow CBSA officers and other first responders — including firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers — to retire after 25 years of service without pension reductions.

• Expanded border presence: More officers will be deployed across air, land, rail, and marine ports of entry to strengthen enforcement against human smuggling, terrorism, immigration fraud, and organized crime.

Our border officers are essential to our security — keeping drugs, guns, and criminals out of our communities.

So, we’re investing in the Canada Border Services Agency to hire 1,000 new officers who will keep our borders secure and our streets safe. pic.twitter.com/Tyg9TGdA83

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) October 17, 2025

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that Budget 2025 will focus on practical investments to keep Canadians safe while reducing government waste. “We’re increasing the number of CBSA officers to crack down on illegal drugs and guns entering our country,” he said. “This action will shield Canadians from crime while protecting Canadian industries and workers.”

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree called the CBSA the “first line of defence” against transnational crime. “The measures announced by the Prime Minister today will help give CBSA the resources it requires to do its job and keep our borders secure,” he said.

Part of a Broader Security Strategy

The new border measures build on the government’s introduction of Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, unveiled October 8. The legislation reinforces tools for law enforcement to combat fentanyl trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime networks while safeguarding Canada’s immigration integrity.

Prime Minister Carney’s government has also committed to hiring 1,000 new RCMP personnel, increasing defence investments, and strengthening hate crime enforcement to address rising public safety concerns.

With Budget 2025 set for tabling on November 4, the border security measures mark a central pillar in the government’s “Canada Strong” agenda — a plan to defend national sovereignty, rebuild institutions, and protect communities across the country.

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