OTTAWA: As the Canadian federal government prepares to fast-track the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 port expansion project in British Columbia, Delta Mayor George Harvie has expressed deep concern over security lapses at the nation’s ports. The mega-expansion project aims to boost annual trade capacity to $100 billion and contribute $3 billion to the country’s GDP each year.
However, Mayor George Harvie emphasized that ensuring port security is far more critical than mere financial gains. He pointed out that Canada has yet to implement modern security measures comparable to those in European ports. He urged the government to clarify what steps are being taken to prevent illicit drugs from being smuggled into the country or manufactured in Canada and shipped overseas to destinations like Australia.
Since dedicated port police were disbanded in 1997, security duties have been split between the RCMP, local police forces, the Canada Border Services Agency, and private security workers. Instead of bringing back a dedicated police force, Harvie suggested integrating modern technology into port infrastructure, such as “rolling scanners” that allow trucks to be inspected without disrupting traffic.
Meanwhile, Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon responded by stating that port expansion and security are “separate issues.” He added that the federal government spends a significant amount of time addressing evolving security challenges and that a world-class police system, including the RCMP, is actively maintaining security.
However, Peter German, a lawyer and former RCMP deputy commissioner who authored a 2023 report on port policing, clarified that the security concerns highlighted in his report remain unresolved. He warned that there is currently no effective police presence inside the ports and urged authorities not to push forward with expansion while ignoring essential security measures.
