In a bid to combat transnational organized crime and alleviate President-elect Donald Trump’s apprehensions regarding border security, Ottawa has put forth a proposal to establish a joint ‘strike force’ at the Canada-U.S. border.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly engaged in discussions with Trump’s ‘border czar’ Tom Homan, outlining the plan during a recent phone call. This initiative coincided with Canada’s announcement of a C$1.3 billion investment in border security.
LeBlanc emphasized the significance of demonstrating shared concerns with American counterparts on border security and integrity. Acknowledging President Trump’s remarks, he emphasized the substantial work ahead.
The envisioned task force would comprise law enforcement personnel from both the U.S. and Canada, as per LeBlanc’s office.
Canada unveiled its comprehensive border strategy following Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as the finance minister, underscoring the pivotal role of Canada’s approach towards the U.S. administration.
Further dialogues between Trump’s team and Trudeau’s ministers are anticipated in the near future to delve deeper into border security matters, LeBlanc revealed.
The new Canadian border plan entails erecting surveillance towers along the shared border to ensure continuous monitoring. Additionally, augmenting the Canada Border Services Agency with additional helicopters, drones, and personnel is part of the strategy.
The agency is slated to receive enhanced inspection powers to combat the domestic production of fentanyl and bolster export inspections.
LeBlanc is scheduled to review the plan with Homan and Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, a close associate of Trump and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, in the upcoming weeks.
Lutnick, entrusted with formulating Trump’s trade and tariff agenda for the initial 100 days, engaged in discussions with LeBlanc at Mar-a-Lago, along with Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focusing on enhancing border security and curbing illegal activities.
Trump’s warning of imposing a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico unless migration and fentanyl issues are addressed underscores the urgency of the situation.
Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman highlighted statistics revealing minimal illegal crossings and fentanyl seizures at the Canadian border, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to combat these challenges.
