Cartel activity in Canada ‘very prevalent now,’ former Trudeau advisor says

The Rise of Organized Crime in Canada: A Growing National Security Threat

Organized crime, particularly cartel activity, has become significantly more prevalent in Canada over the past decade, according to Jody Thomas, a former national security advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Thomas emphasized that cartels, which were rarely associated with Canada in the past, are now a major concern, with their influence spreading across the country. She warned that if left unchecked, this could escalate into a national crisis. The Canadian government has recently taken a significant step by designating seven transnational criminal organizations, including major drug cartels, as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. This move is expected to provide law enforcement with additional tools to combat cartel-related activities, particularly by targeting their financial networks.

The Fentanyl Crisis and Its Connection to Organized Crime

The rise of fentanyl has become a critical issue in Canada, with organized crime groups playing a central role in its production and distribution. A recent report by Criminal Intelligence Service Canada revealed that fentanyl manufacturing is concentrated in British Columbia and Ontario, while distribution networks span the country, often involving street gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs. Since 2019, involvement in fentanyl by organized crime groups has increased by 42%, making it a deadly and growing threat. Additionally, these groups have established links with Latin American cartels to facilitate drug shipments and with U.S.-based groups to smuggle firearms into Canada. Thomas highlighted that Canada has seen a troubling rise in fentanyl-related overdoses, seizures, and gun violence, all of which are intertwined with cartel activity.

Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations: A Strategic Move

The decision to label cartels as terrorist organizations is a strategic effort to disrupt their operations in Canada. By doing so, law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP and financial monitoring bodies like Fintrac, will gain the authority to investigate and dismantle Canadian financial networks that support these transnational criminal groups. This designation will also allow authorities to freeze assets and prosecute individuals who provide financial or logistical support to these organizations. Thomas stressed that targeting cartel finances is a critical step in crippling their influence and preventing further escalation of the crisis.

Canada-U.S. Collaboration on Border Security and Beyond

The listing of cartels as terrorist organizations is part of a broader agreement between Canada and the United States to strengthen border security. These measures were negotiated during talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods unless Ottawa took stronger action to address issues like migrant crossings and fentanyl trafficking into the U.S. Prime Minister Trudeau and other Canadian officials have indicated that progress has already been made on these fronts, with Trudeau personally updating Trump on these efforts during a recent call.

National Security and Economic Resilience: A Dual Priority

Thomas underscored the importance of building Canadian resilience in the face of evolving security threats. She emphasized that national security is deeply intertwined with economic security, noting the need for Canada to diversify its international trade relationships and reduce internal trade barriers. Additionally, she highlighted the critical role Canada must play in Arctic security, not only for its own interests but also as a reliable partner to the U.S. and NATO. Thomas stressed the urgency of meeting NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP, calling it “enormously important” for Canada to demonstrate its commitment to global security.

Navigating the U.S.-Canada Relationship in a Changing World

While Thomas acknowledged the importance of Canada’s relationship with the U.S., she also pointed to potential challenges, particularly under the Trump administration. She noted that while there is no immediate physical security threat from the U.S., there is an economic security risk, especially given Trump’s rhetoric about annexing Canada as the 51st state. However, she dismissed this as more of a symbolic gesture, arguing that the greater threats to global stability lie elsewhere, such as in Trump’s dealings with Ukraine and Russia. Despite these uncertainties, Thomas expressed confidence in Canada’s ability to maintain its reputation as a reliable and indispensable partner on the world stage.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for National Security

The rise of cartel activity and the fentanyl crisis underscore the urgent need for Canada to take bold steps to protect its national security. By designating cartels as terrorist organizations, Canada is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate the infiltration of transnational criminal networks. However, this is only one piece of the puzzle. As Thomas emphasized, building resilience—whether economic, environmental, or military—must be a top priority. The time to act is now, and Canada’s ability to demonstrate confidence and reliability will be critical in navigating the challenges ahead.