The mayor of Delta, B.C., George Harvie, has long voiced his apprehensions regarding security and criminal activity at the province’s port facilities. As the federal government advances plans for a significant expansion of the Roberts Bank Terminal, these concerns have intensified. The proposed project aims to enhance trade capacity by $100 billion annually through the addition of a new three-berth terminal, which could bolster the port’s container capacity by 50% and contribute approximately $3 billion to Canada’s GDP each year. However, Harvie questions how security will be managed in light of these ambitious plans.
Mayor’s Security Concerns
Harvie, who missed the recent announcement about the port expansion due to prior commitments, insists that the current security infrastructure at the port is inadequate compared to counterparts in Europe. “We still have not had an upgrade to the security systems that exist in comparison to other ports in Europe,” he stated. The mayor expressed particular concern over the potential influx of illicit drugs, questioning the effectiveness of existing measures to prevent such activities. “How are they going to ensure that the port would be more secure from illicit drugs coming into our country and manufactured in our country then shipped out?” he asked, highlighting the urgency of the issue.
The disbandment of Canada’s dedicated port police in 1997 has left security responsibilities divided among various agencies, including the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Harvie, however, believes that re-establishing a dedicated police force is not the solution. Instead, he advocates for the integration of advanced security technology, such as rolling scanners, to facilitate thorough inspections without disrupting traffic flow. He pointed to international examples where such systems are effectively employed, noting the disparity in security protocols between Canadian ports and those abroad.
Federal Government’s Position
Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, who recently visited Delta to announce the referral of the expansion project to the major projects office, addressed the issue of security. He maintained that while the expansion and security challenges are “separate issues,” the government is committed to addressing evolving security needs. “We have one of the world’s best police forces. They’re in charge of port security,” he remarked, referring to the RCMP’s role in collaboration with various local and federal agencies.
Despite the minister’s reassurances, the concerns raised by local leaders have not been alleviated. In 2023, Delta commissioned a report from Peter German, a former deputy commissioner of the RCMP, which echoed ongoing worries regarding port security. German noted that the expansion plans have reignited discussions about the adequacy of policing at the ports, stating, “The main concerns were about contraband coming in and going out, a lack of police presence at the ports, and the small number of port employees who require security clearances.”
The Need for Change
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has responded to the growing concerns by underscoring the responsibility of the RCMP and CBSA in maintaining port security. “We are responsible for implementing security measures within our jurisdictional boundary,” a spokesperson stated, adding that strong relationships and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies are critical.
German drew parallels between the expansion project and the need for security in large-scale events, such as the FIFA World Cup, highlighting that while growth is vital, it cannot come at the expense of safety. “Expand, that’s fine, but don’t forget security is important,” he advised.
Why it Matters
As Canada seeks to enhance its trade capabilities through ambitious port expansions, the balance between growth and security must be carefully navigated. The concerns raised by local leaders like Mayor Harvie underscore the potential risks of neglecting security in favour of economic expansion. Ensuring that robust security measures are in place will not only protect Canadian ports but also bolster public confidence in the government’s ability to manage increased trade activities. The outcome of this expansion could set a precedent for how Canada approaches port security in the future, making it a critical issue for policymakers and stakeholders alike.
