Mr. Chair, thank you for having me here today to speak about the 2026–27 main estimates for Public Safety Canada portfolios.
I would like to acknowledge that we're meeting on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
I'm joined by my colleagues from their respective portfolio agencies. I want to thank them and their teams for the work they've been doing.
The main estimates reflect our government's priorities to keep communities safe, combat modern national security threats and foreign interference, strengthen our borders and assert our economic sovereignty. We're focused on building stronger, safer communities that are free from violence. That is why, this past March, I announced our renewal of the building safer communities fund. With more than $150 million in funding, we're building on our strong partnerships with municipalities and indigenous communities.
We're supporting the vital work of local community organizations that work day in and day out to provide young people with the opportunities they need to leave a life of crime behind. The results are clear: Young people have the tools they need to succeed, and our communities are better for it. However, this is only one part of our action to cut down on gun violence. We continue to fortify our strategic global partnerships while ensuring that federal policing and public safety institutions remain effective, accountable and financially responsible in a challenging and evolving environment.
On a portfolio-wide basis, the total authorities sought in the main estimates will result in funding approvals of $16.7 billion for the public safety portfolio for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Allow me to point out some highlights.
For Public Safety Canada, a total of $2.2 billion is sought in these estimates, which includes a funding increase for the first nations and Inuit policing program of $38.2 million, along with a $37.8-million increase to the first nations and Inuit policing facilities program. These programs are fundamental to reconciliation and to improving the safety of indigenous communities.
Our government is continuing to invest in culturally responsive, community-led policing services that are designed and governed in partnership with first nations and Inuit communities. Funding supports both self-administered police services and tripartite agreements with a focus on officer recruitment and retention, training, equipment and community trust.
We have a responsibility to focus resources on core public safety outcomes. That's why we're ensuring that spending is targeted where it delivers the greatest impact, particularly in frontline services and high-risk areas.
Canada Border Services Agency estimates include funding to deliver our government's commitment to hire 1,000 new CBSA officers, reinforce Canada's borders, enhance border integrity and support the land border crossing project.
Similarly, the RCMP funding will expand the RCMP's federal policing workforce by 1,000 new dedicated personnel. The total funding sought is $6.3 billion, of which $263.9 million will support additional capacity for the federal mandate and $173.3 million will support contract policing programs.
For the Correctional Service of Canada, the total funding sought is $4 billion, representing a $138-million increase tied mainly to operating expenditures and compensation due to collective agreement increases.
For the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the total funding sought is $1 billion, which is an increase of $32.7 million over the previous year.
These are all directed at improving the safety of communities across the country and at our borders, and are in lockstep with our global allies. Again, portfolio-wide, these funding increases are offset by comprehensive expenditure review measures to focus and streamline costs, ensuring the responsible and efficient allocation of taxpayer funds.
I look forward to working jointly with the United States and domestic partners to ensure border security and integrity while building our strategic and economic autonomy. We will continue to improve our ability to detect and respond to national security threats, as well as law enforcement's capacity to fight crime and protect communities.
I'm proud to strive to fulfill these duties and to work alongside all of you to keep Canadians safe. Thank you.
