Canada has committed to introducing comprehensive new security measures along its border with the United States, including enhanced surveillance and the creation of a joint “strike force” to combat transnational organized crime.
This announcement comes in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s warning of a potential 25% tariff on Canadian goods, set to take effect after his inauguration in January, if Canada fails to address issues such as illegal migration and the smuggling of illegal drugs across the shared border.
However, economists caution that such tariffs could deal a significant blow to Canada’s economy.
Announcing the specifics of the plan, Canada’s Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs stated that the federal government would allocate C$1.3 billion ($900 million) to support the initiative.
Regarding this issue, Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated on Tuesday, “These measures will secure our border against the flow of illegal drugs and irregular migration while ensuring the free movement of people and goods that are fundamental to North America’s prosperity.”
The plan focuses on five core initiatives: disrupting the fentanyl trade, equipping law enforcement with new tools, strengthening coordination with U.S. authorities, enhancing information sharing, and managing border traffic.
Proposed measures include the establishment of an aerial surveillance task force utilizing helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers to monitor areas between ports of entry.
LeBlanc also offered additional details on the so-called “joint strike force” between Canadian and U.S. authorities, noting that it would include “support during operational surges, dedicated synthetic drug units, expanded joint forces, special enforcement teams, binational integrated enforcement units, and enhanced operational capacity and infrastructure.”
The new plan seems to address the concerns recently raised by Trump regarding the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the U.S. While crossings at the U.S.-Canada border are significantly lower than at the southern border, according to U.S. Border Patrol data, as is the amount of fentanyl seized, Mexico is also facing the threat of a 25% tariff.
LeBlanc mentioned that he and other officials had a “preliminary” conversation with Trump’s incoming “border czar,” Tom Homan, about the new plan. He expressed optimism about the discussion, stating, “I’m encouraged by that conversation.”
