Canada-United States Cross-Border Crime Forum

The Canada-United States Cross-Border Crime Forum (CBCF) is a joint Ministerial forum hosted by Public Safety Canada, Justice Canada, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It brings together senior law enforcement and justice officials from various organizations in Canada and the U.S.

Through regular Ministerial, senior official and working level meetings, the CBCF addresses transnational crime issues such as organized crime, counter-terrorism, smuggling, economic crime and other emerging cross-border threats. It also focuses on resolving obstacles and impediments – primarily with regard to policy, regulations and legislation – faced by law enforcement and justice officials who work on cross-border crime issues.

Initiatives

Created in 1997 with an operational focus, it originally tackled smuggling across the eastern regions of both countries. To keep pace with sophisticated criminal elements that have emerged and new technologies that have been developed, the CBCF has evolved to include other initiatives involving a wide number of jurisdictions from each country. These initiatives include joint targeting and assessments of potential threats, public advisories and new and innovative law enforcement collaboration models. As a result, the CBCF has improved cooperation and information sharing between the two countries, which is a priority for both Canada and the U.S. in the global fight against organized crime and terrorism.

Key Canadian participants

• Public Safety Canada
• Department of Justice Canada
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
• Public Prosecution Service of Canada

Key American participants

• U.S. Department of Justice
• Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Attorneys
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Department of State

Date modified:

2018-02-15