WINNIPEG, Man. — Canada’s Pacific ports are increasingly vulnerable to organized crime, drug trafficking and hostile foreign actors because of fragmented oversight, limited inspections and inadequate enforcement, according to a new report released today by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

The report, Canada’s Pacific Ports Are Under-Secured, argues that Vancouver and Prince Rupert have become attractive targets because criminals and hostile states view the likelihood of detection as low. Publicly available federal audit data show fewer than two per cent of shipping containers entering Metro Vancouver are X-rayed or otherwise scanned while fewer than one per cent are physically opened and searched.

The report warns that Canada's Pacific gateway has become a strategic vulnerability affecting not only public safety but also economic security, international trade and Canada's reputation as a trusted trading partner.

"British Columbia's Pacific ports are economic lifelines for Western Canada, moving exports and keeping supply chains running," said Scott McGregor, the report's author and a senior fellow at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. "They are also under-secured."

According to the report, responsibility for port security is divided among port authorities, the Canada Border Services Agency, the RCMP and Transport Canada, leaving no single organization accountable for protecting the entire system. Outbound cargo also receives little systematic scrutiny despite evidence that criminal organizations increasingly use Canadian ports to ship illicit drugs overseas.

The report links these weaknesses to broader consequences for Canadians.

British Columbia recorded 1,826 toxic-drug deaths in 2025, while Canada reported more than 6,100 substance-related deaths over a recent 12-month period. The report argues that weaknesses at Canada's Pacific gateway enable criminal organizations to move narcotics, precursor chemicals and illicit proceeds while increasing risks to communities across the country.

Beyond organized crime, the report says Canada's ports have become potential targets for hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, sanctions evasion, commercial espionage and other activities by hostile foreign states seeking influence over critical infrastructure and supply chains.

The report concludes that Canada's current approach relies on agencies working independently rather than as an integrated security system.

"Canada can have a Pacific trade strategy, or it can have a thin-security Pacific gateway," McGregor said. "It cannot credibly have both."

To address the problem, the report recommends creating a permanent British Columbia Port Security Joint Task Force that would integrate the CBSA, RCMP, Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard and port authorities. It also calls for expanded container inspections, mandatory outbound cargo targeting, stronger workforce vetting, enhanced cyber protections, greater oversight of inland logistics hubs and a public performance dashboard measuring port security.

The report argues these measures would reduce opportunities for organized crime while strengthening Canada's economic competitiveness and national security.

Key findings

• Fewer than two per cent of inbound containers at Metro Vancouver receive imaging and fewer than one per cent are physically searched.
• Canada lacks a systematic program for targeting outbound cargo, vessels and crews despite major export drug seizures.
• Responsibility for port security is divided among multiple federal agencies and port authorities, leaving no single organization accountable.
• Organized crime exploits insider access, limited inspections and fragmented governance to move illicit goods through Canada's Pacific gateway.
• Hostile foreign states can exploit many of the same vulnerabilities for espionage, sanctions evasion and supply-chain disruption.
• Inland logistics hubs and foreign trade zones require stronger oversight as part of Canada's port security system.
• The report recommends 10 reforms, including a permanent joint task force, expanded inspections, stronger cyber security and improved accountability.

Suggested story angles

Canada's Pacific gateway faces growing security risks

How vulnerable are Canada's largest ports to organized crime, drug trafficking and foreign interference?

Why aren't more shipping containers inspected?

The report argues current inspection rates are too low to deter traffickers. What would it take to change that?

Should Canada screen outbound cargo?

Most border enforcement focuses on imports, yet major drug seizures continue to involve exports destined for overseas markets.

Port security is economic security

How weaknesses at Vancouver and Prince Rupert could affect trade, supply chains and Canada's international competitiveness.

The full report is available from the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

Media contacts

Scott McGregor
Senior Fellow
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
[email protected]

David Leis
President
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
[email protected]

About the Frontier Centre for Public Policy

The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent Canadian public policy think tank that conducts research and analysis on issues affecting Canadians. The Centre develops practical policy solutions that support economic growth, individual freedom and accountable government.

Frontier Centre for Public Policy——Bio and Archives

The Frontier Centre for Public Policy (FCPP) is an independent Canadian public policy think tank. Founded in Winnipeg in 1997, the Frontier Centre received charitable status in 1999 and currently has offices in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Our research aims to analyze current affairs and public policies and develop effective and meaningful ideas for good governance and reform. We provide a platform for public debate and engage with the public through our numerous publications and events.