Canada has vowed to introduce a comprehensive set of new security measures along its border with the US, including enhanced surveillance and the creation of a joint “strike force” aimed at tackling transnational organized crime.
This commitment comes in response to a threat from President-elect Donald Trump, who has warned that, starting in January, he will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods unless the country secures its border against the flow of irregular migrants and illegal drugs.
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Economists suggest that such tariffs could have a significant negative impact on Canada’s economy.
In announcing the plan, Canada’s Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs revealed that the federal government would allocate C$1.3 billion ($900 million; £700 million) to implement the new measures.
The measures “will secure our border against the flow of illegal drugs and irregular migration while ensuring the free flow of people and goods that are at the core of North America’s prosperity”, Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Tuesday.
The new plan outlined by Canada covers five key pillars aimed at disrupting the fentanyl trade, enhancing law enforcement capabilities, improving coordination with US authorities, increasing information sharing, and controlling border traffic.
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Among the initiatives is a proposed aerial surveillance task force, which would deploy helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers between ports of entry. Additionally, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will receive funding to train new dog teams for detecting illegal drugs and to acquire new detection tools at high-risk ports.
Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Dominic LeBlanc, also detailed a joint “strike force” between Canadian and US authorities. This force will include operational support, dedicated synthetic drug units, expanded combined forces, special enforcement units, and enhanced operational infrastructure.
The plan appears to align with concerns raised by President-elect Donald Trump, particularly regarding the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants across the border. While migrant crossings at the US-Canada border are much lower than at the southern border, US Border Patrol data shows fewer fentanyl seizures as well.
The plan follows discussions with Trump’s incoming border czar, Tom Homan, and is part of ongoing efforts to avoid the imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, which would also impact Mexico.
LeBlanc’s announcement came on his first day as Canada’s finance minister, following Chrystia Freeland’s resignation. Freeland, who had served as both finance minister and deputy prime minister, stepped down with a public letter criticizing Trudeau on spending and the country’s direction, putting additional pressure on Trudeau’s minority government.
In a speech on Tuesday, Trudeau expressed resolve despite challenges, stating that “there are always tough days and big challenges” in politics.
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