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Traditional (Italian-based) organized crime remains well-entrenched in Canada with particular strongholds in the greater Toronto area, Hamilton, Niagara region and Montreal and, to a lesser extent, Calgary and Vancouver. Most TOC groups have been in existence for several generations and continue to increase the sophistication of their operations as well as their ability to capitalize on both legitimate and illegitimate means of economic expansion. TOC is particularly adept at using strategically directed violence and corruption to achieve its goals. While some TOC groups retain a degree of traditional hierarchical structure, the majority are less-structured with multi-ethnic, cellular organizations that are capable of adopting various forms to best undertake the particular criminal enterprise. There is a significant willingness to collaborate with other organized crime groups and relationships exist between some outlaw motorcycle gangs and TOC groups.

TOC groups generally rely on the illicit drug trade as a primary source of wealth and are involved in many aspects including import/export, distribution and, more recently, marihuana cultivation. Illegal gaming, bookmaking and extortion also remain key activities of TOC with some groups capable of more sophisticated white-collar crime such as stock market manipulation.

The sphere of influence of TOC appears to be expanding throughout the country. In B.C., a stable TOC presence exists, particularly in the Lower Mainland, with some second-generation groups. TOC is positioned to be able to take advantage of a symbiotic relationship with the HELLS ANGELS in British Columbia where associations are based on social ties and illicit business connections. TOC and HELLS ANGELS members are known to interact in illegal gaming, the facilitation of money laundering, drug trafficking as well as exchanging services through individuals acting as drug debt collectors, enforcers and nominees⁵ on properties to facilitate marihuana grow operations.

In Alberta, several TOC groups have been identified. These groups operate independently and while no one group dominates the TOC criminal landscape, they are each capable of significant criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal gaming, prostitution, loan-sharking and money laundering. Illicit profits made through these activities have been translated into legitimate businesses enabling these groups to gain credibility in the business community. TOC in Alberta seeks to maintain a low profile via a legitimate business facade; however, there are associations between some of these groups, outlaw motorcycle gangs and Eastern European-based organized crime.

In Ontario, TOC continues to maintain stable criminal organizations and exerts significant criminal influence. A number of TOC groups operate in Windsor, Hamilton, the greater Toronto area and Niagara region with limited competition between groups. Ontario TOC groups are very sophisticated and capable of a wide range of criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, money laundering and large-scale fraud. In addition, several groups are particularly adept at white-collar crimes, which have the potential to affect the Ontario insurance industry.

Similarly, Quebec has a strong, sophisticated and stable TOC presence. In particular, TOC in Montreal is highly influential. However, in 2004, law enforcement arrested a significant TOC leader who has strong criminal ties in both Ontario and Quebec. It is unlikely that there will be an immediate change in the strength of TOC in Ontario or Quebec; however, over time, there is the potential of several TOC groups weakening. As well, changes in leadership may provide opportunities for other TOC groups to broaden their criminal enterprises and may also affect collaborative criminal associations with other organized crime groups.

TOC influence is limited in Atlantic Canada. In general, TOC does not have an established presence, but has provided assistance to or influenced other criminal groups in the region.