He is a former RCMP deputy commissioner with over 20 years in law enforcement and national security
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced Kevin Brosseau's appointment as Canada's new fentanyl czar.
The role, effective immediately, is intended to enhance the country's response to the fentanyl crisis through strengthened law enforcement and cross-border cooperation.
Brosseau, a former deputy commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement and national security. He holds a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School, specializing in corporate and Indigenous law, and a Bachelor of Laws with distinction from the University of Alberta. Brosseau held senior government positions, including associate deputy minister of fisheries and oceans and assistant deputy minister of safety and security at Transport Canada. Most recently, he served as the prime minister's deputy national security and intelligence advisor.
In his new position, Brosseau will work closely with US counterparts and Canadian law enforcement agencies to disrupt fentanyl trafficking networks. Trudeau emphasized the urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis, calling the drug a lethal threat to communities across Canada. He stated that Brosseau's appointment would accelerate efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade while strengthening partnerships with the United States.
The government has introduced several measures to combat fentanyl trafficking. Detection capabilities at border crossings are being expanded with new chemical detection tools, canine teams, and a Precursor Chemical Risk Management Unit to track the distribution of precursor chemicals used in drug production. The federal government is developing a new Canadian Drug Analysis Centre to examine illegal drug samples and identify their sources. In addition, the government plans to list organized crime cartels as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code, providing law enforcement with additional tools to prevent and disrupt criminal activities.
To enhance border security, Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion plan that includes the deployment of Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers. Nearly 10,000 personnel will monitor and protect border points. The federal government has also introduced stronger penalties and regulatory measures to address financial crimes, including money laundering, which plays a role in drug trafficking operations.
A new intelligence directive, backed by a $200 million investment, will increase security agencies' capacity to investigate transnational organized crime and improve intelligence-sharing with the United States. Canada is also working with US agencies through the Canada-US Joint Strike Force, which focuses on targeting organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering.
"Canada needs a Fentanyl Czar who will co-ordinate between agencies, move quickly to tackle challenges, and bring over 20 years of RCMP experience to a crisis plaguing our communities," Public Safety Minister David McGuinty said in a news release. "Working closely with our American counterparts to disrupt and dismantle this illegal drug trade crossing our border, the Fentanyl Czar will need expertise in drug trafficking, organized crime networks, and other national security threats. Kevin Brosseau is that person."
