Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good afternoon. Thank you for the invitation. My name is Brian Sauvé. I am president of the National Police Federation, the union representing about 20,000 members of the RCMP across Canada and internationally. Our members work tirelessly to combat some of Canada's most pressing public safety challenges, including transnational organized crime, cyber-threats, financial crime, illicit drug trafficking, human smuggling and all forms of cross-border criminal activity.
Bill C-12 arrives at a pivotal time, as communities face escalating harms that demand a strong response from law enforcement. The NPF supports the overarching purpose of the bill, which seeks to strengthen Canada's border security. We also endorse the legislation's objectives of combatting transnational organized crime, illegal fentanyl trafficking and illicit financial activities. However, while legislative change is important, it will not by itself produce the comprehensive results Canadians expect. In order to achieve success, the bill must be accompanied by three main things: adequate personnel and resources, efficient procurement and operational tools, and stronger organized Canada-U.S. and cross-jurisdictional information sharing.
Today I'd like to focus on three key points from Bill C-12. The first is information sharing and intelligence coordination. In today's complex threat environment, effective information sharing among law enforcement agencies is one of the most powerful tools for keeping communities safe. Bill C-12 provides RCMP members with clearer authority to share and receive operational intelligence with domestic and international partners. One provision that the NPF fully supports is the collection and sharing of sex offender travel information through the Sex Offender Information Registration Act, aligning Canada with U.S. practices. In 2022 alone, Canada received 149 notifications of sex offender travel from the U.S., which allowed our members to act proactively to protect communities and prevent harm before it occurs.
Bill C-12 also formally recognizes the Canadian Coast Guard's security and intelligence functions. This will allow the RCMP's marine security enforcement teams to gain easier and timely access to legally supported intelligence and provide better situational awareness.
The next point is on the trafficking of illicit substances and guns. Illicit drug and firearm trafficking continues to threaten public safety and fuel organized crime across Canada. The opioid crisis and the proliferation of fentanyl have devastated communities while traffickers exploit border gaps to move drugs and precursor chemicals into the country. Bill C-12's measures to fast-track the scheduling of fentanyl and its precursors are essential, giving law enforcement the tools to quickly intercept these substances earlier. However, stronger domestic tracking and restored Canada Post authorities are needed to close loopholes and protect communities.
The last area is money laundering. While the legislation takes important steps to combat financial crime by strengthening Canada's anti-money laundering framework and increasing penalties to up to $20 million for serious violations, it does not consider that the expanded data flow will be effective only if RCMP financial crime units are adequately resourced with staffing, training and technology to analyze and act on this new intelligence.
Bill C-12 is a step in the right direction. While the government's recent commitment to hire 1,000 new personnel to address public safety concerns is positive, it is only a start. To fully meet Canada's public safety needs, all 1,000 new hires must be fully sworn members of the RCMP, supported by a comprehensive multi-year staffing plan. Modern tools and technologies are also essential. Investments in drones, helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft systems along the Canada-U.S. border are critical to enhance surveillance, detection and rapid response, directly supporting Bill C-12's initiatives.
While the NPF strongly encourages the swift passage of Bill C-12, we are disappointed that some provisions of the former Bill C-2, such as amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act and lawful access provisions, were removed. Without the ability to proactively detain suspicious letter mail, RCMP members face significant barriers to intercepting illegal drugs. It is also long overdue for Canada to implement a lawful access regime on par with our comparable jurisdictions.
Legislative reform, modern tools and adequate resourcing must work hand in hand. Only through this comprehensive approach can we effectively meet the evolving public safety challenges that Canadians face today.