The federal government has released its 2025 year-end review on border security, revealing significant progress in curbing illegal activity while modernizing operations. According to a report from Public Safety Canada, new measures have led to a dramatic decrease in illegal border crossings and asylum claims, alongside a major increase in the seizure of deadly drugs like fentanyl.

Key Successes in 2025

The results from the past year point to a coordinated effort yielding tangible outcomes. The government highlighted several key achievements stemming from its $1.3 billion Border Plan:

• A 98% reduction in apprehensions of individuals crossing illegally from Canada into the United States in October 2025 compared to peak levels in mid-2024.
• Asylum claims have fallen by one-third compared to the previous year.
• Law enforcement intercepted over 1,000 pounds of fentanyl through combined operations, preventing it from reaching Canadian communities.
• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized nearly $3.5 million in suspected illicit cash from over 170 currency seizures.

Investing in Security and Technology

These results were driven by investments in both personnel and technology. The government has begun the process of hiring 1,000 new CBSA officers and 1,000 new RCMP personnel to bolster investigative capacity and crack down on organized crime.

Technologically, the CBSA is deploying new tools to enhance detection capabilities. This includes mobile large-scale imagers, which are essentially giant X-ray trucks, that help officers find contraband and stolen vehicles hidden in shipping containers. Other new equipment includes handheld chemical analyzers and advanced scanning systems to better detect synthetic drugs and their precursor chemicals.

“National security starts at the border, and the results from 2025 speak for themselves,” said Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. “The Government of Canada invested in new tools, deployed more personnel, and worked closely with our partners to ensure that organized crime networks and illicit goods are stopped before they can reach our communities.”

What This Means for New Brunswick

For residents of Saint John and the rest of New Brunswick, a more secure border with the United States has direct benefits. These efforts help ensure that key trade corridors, like the St. Stephen-Calais crossing, remain efficient for legitimate commerce while becoming tougher for criminals to exploit. Increased patrols and better technology help prevent the flow of illegal guns and drugs into the province and disrupt criminal networks that operate across the border.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main goal of these border measures?

The stated goals were to protect Canadian communities, strengthen trade, and uphold the integrity of the country’s immigration system.

How much fentanyl was seized in 2025?

According to the report, combined operations intercepted over 1,000 pounds of fentanyl at the border in 2025.

Are more staff being hired for border security?

Yes. The plan includes hiring 1,000 new officers for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and 1,000 new personnel for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

What new technology is being used at the border?

New tools include mobile large-scale X-ray trucks, mobility scanners, handheld chemical analyzers, and other advanced imaging systems to detect contraband, stolen vehicles, and illegal drugs.