Official statements from Canadian and U.S. government officials or trade agreements

Canada's C$1.3 Billion ($908M) Plan Includes Aerial Task Force, Joint Strike Force to Counter Trump's Tariff Threat on Fentanyl

Dec 17, 2024, 10:46 PM

Canada has unveiled a comprehensive C$1.3 billion ($908 million) plan to bolster its border security in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods unless the country addresses concerns about the flow of migrants and fentanyl across the northern border. The plan includes the establishment of an aerial intelligence task force operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), utilizing helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers for round-the-clock monitoring. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Immigration Minister Marc Miller have been key figures in announcing these measures. Additionally, the strategy involves enhancing drug detection capabilities with new equipment for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), including sniffer dogs and chemical detection tools. The government also proposes the creation of a joint strike force with the U.S. to target transnational organized crime, focusing on synthetic drugs like fentanyl. These measures aim to strengthen border security, combat illegal drug trafficking, and address immigration concerns, amidst ongoing discussions with Trump's incoming border chief, Tom Homan.