Overview of the Promise

During his campaign for prime minister, Mark Carney pledged to end drug and human trafficking in Canadian communities. This commitment included boosting resources to combat modern threats like foreign interference, transnational repression, and cybercrime. Specific actions outlined were to recruit and train 1,000 more RCMP personnel, establish a new RCMP academy within the existing Depot facility, and increase pay for cadet recruits. These measures were part of a broader public safety plan aimed at strengthening borders and tackling illegal flows of drugs and guns.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since assuming office in March 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced initiatives aligned with this promise. In April 2025, the Liberal Party released a public safety plan that emphasized cracking down on gangs, protecting children, reducing intimate partner violence, and addressing the illegal influx of drugs and guns from the United States. This plan includes commitments to enhance border security and fight transnational crime, which directly relates to drug and human trafficking.

The government has prioritized public safety in its early agenda, with Carney highlighting the need to strengthen the RCMP's capabilities. Reports indicate that discussions on RCMP reform have been ongoing, building on calls from the previous administration for changes to the force's mandate. However, specific progress on recruiting 1,000 additional personnel has seen initial steps, such as budget allocations for law enforcement enhancements, but full implementation is not yet complete.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

As of August 2025, no comprehensive legislation specifically titled to end drug and human trafficking has been passed. However, the government has proposed measures within broader public safety bills. For instance, elements of the crime-fighting plan announced in April 2025 include legislative proposals to tighten border controls and increase penalties for trafficking-related offenses. These are expected to be introduced in the fall parliamentary session.

Additionally, there have been statements from the Prime Minister's Office on engaging with law enforcement agencies to boost resources against modern threats. While no new laws have been enacted yet, preparatory work for RCMP expansion, including funding for a new academy, has been referenced in expenditure reviews aimed at reallocating resources efficiently.

Progress on Specific Points

On boosting resources for modern threats such as foreign interference, transnational repression, and cybercrime, the government has initiated partnerships and funding increases for cybersecurity and intelligence operations, with announcements tying these to border security efforts against drug flows.

Regarding the recruitment and training of 1,000 more RCMP personnel, initial recruitment drives have begun, with reports of increased cadet applications following pay adjustment promises. However, the target has not been fully met, and training programs are in the planning phase.

The establishment of a new RCMP academy within Depot is under consideration, with site assessments and budget proposals in progress, but construction or official opening has not occurred.

Increasing pay for cadet recruits has seen some advancement, with a proposed wage hike included in the latest federal budget discussions, aimed at improving retention and attraction to the force.

Assessment of Progress

Given that Carney has been in office for only about five months, the promise is currently in progress. Announcements and initial steps show intent, but tangible outcomes like full recruitment and academy establishment are pending. To become kept, the government must complete the recruitment of 1,000 personnel, operationalize the new academy, implement pay increases, and demonstrate measurable reductions in drug and human trafficking through data on arrests, seizures, and community safety metrics. If these actions are not pursued in the upcoming budget or legislative sessions, or if funding is redirected elsewhere, the promise risks being broken or reverting to not started.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.