Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney says 51 criminals on the Canada Border Services Agency's wanted list have been intercepted since the program was set up in 2011.

Blaney said more than 30 were identified in the last 12 months.

Blaney told a news conference in Montreal this morning that the agency's program has helped locate 59 individuals in Canada, with 51 being removed. A further 17 people have been identified abroad.

A year ago, his department announced the 42nd removal of an individual on the list.

Blaney also said more than 150 convicted U.S. sex offenders have been denied entry to Canada in the last three years.