Overview of the Promise

During his campaign, Mark Carney promised to address the fentanyl crisis by putting those profiting from the drug behind bars. This would be achieved through prosecuting more complex drug trafficking and organized crime offences, with a specific commitment to invest in the Public Prosecution Services of Canada (PPSC) to enable these prosecutions.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office, the Carney government has appointed Kevin Brosseau as Canada's Fentanyl Czar in February 2025, tasking him with coordinating efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking. An interim report from the Fentanyl Czar in June 2025 highlighted consultations with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and provinces, to address supply chains and organized crime exploitation in drug trafficking. The government also announced new measures in February 2025 to control fentanyl precursor chemicals and combat organized crime, aiming to curtail production and distribution.

In April 2025, Carney released a public safety plan that includes cracking down on gangs and tackling the illegal flow of drugs, with a focus on border security to stop fentanyl inflows. This was followed by a proposed border security bill in June 2025, which seeks to tighten asylum rules and enhance measures against fentanyl trafficking, addressing U.S. concerns and potentially aiding in prosecutions.

Additionally, Canada's anti-money-laundering agency has stepped up efforts against fentanyl trafficking by creating a new team to share financial intelligence with law enforcement, which could support more complex prosecutions. Operations like the Canada Border Services Agency's Operation Blizzard have led to fentanyl seizures, indicating active enforcement that may lead to increased prosecutions.

Legislation Proposed or Passed

The government formalized controls on three fentanyl precursor chemicals and the drug carisoprodol in February 2025, following consultations. This regulatory action is intended to disrupt production and enable prosecutions of organized crime involved in fentanyl. In June 2025, a new border security bill was proposed to combat fentanyl alongside asylum reforms, though as of August 2025, it remains under consideration and has not yet been passed into law. No specific legislation directly amending the Criminal Code for fentanyl-related offences has been passed, but these measures build on existing frameworks to facilitate complex prosecutions.

Progress on Key Promise Elements

On putting those profiting from fentanyl behind bars: There have been reports of seizures and actions against traffickers, such as a case involving a convicted trafficker breaching bail in May 2025, but comprehensive data on increased convictions is limited. Fentanyl seizures at the northern U.S. border have increased, though Canada remains a minor player compared to other routes.

On prosecuting more complex drug trafficking and organized crime offences: The Fentanyl Czar's role and anti-money-laundering initiatives suggest a focus on complex cases, with intelligence-sharing to aid prosecutions. However, criticisms, including a report that the Czar admitted having "no authority" over the RCMP, indicate potential gaps in coordination that could hinder effective prosecutions.

On investing in the Public Prosecution Services of Canada: While the government has invested in broader border security and anti-trafficking measures, specific funding announcements for the PPSC to handle more complex cases have not been prominently detailed in available reports. The overall crime plan includes resources for law enforcement, but direct PPSC investments tied to this promise appear limited or not yet publicized.

Challenges and Risks

The promise is currently in progress, with initial steps like appointments and regulatory controls showing movement. To become kept, the government must demonstrate measurable increases in prosecutions and convictions for complex fentanyl-related offences, backed by verifiable PPSC investments, such as budget allocations in the next fiscal year. This could include passing the proposed border bill and releasing data on prosecution rates. It would be at risk of being broken if prosecutions do not rise significantly by the end of 2025, or if ongoing criticisms about coordination failures persist without resolution, potentially leading to it being deemed broken if no substantial investments or outcomes materialize by mid-2026.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.