(Toronto) Ontario will strengthen security along its border with the United States as part of its response to threats of tariffs from US President-elect Donald Trump, Premier Doug Ford announced Tuesday.
Posted at 11:27 a.m.
Updated at 4:53 p.m.
The measure, dubbed “Operation Deterrence,” will see some 200 Ontario Provincial Police officers focus on strengthening border security. The Ontario Provincial Police have increased patrols along the vast border using planes, helicopters, drones, boats and patrol vehicles.
PHOTO CHRIS YOUNG, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
“Ontario has called on the federal government to take action to address border security concerns,” Ford said in a statement.
“We want to be assured that words translate into visible actions. In the meantime, through Operation Deterrence, Ontario is stepping up its efforts to crack down on illegal border crossings, as well as illicit weapons and drugs. »
Mr. Ford argued that a “more coordinated, Team Canada-style approach that includes more personnel on the ground” is the only way to resolve the problem.
The announcement comes as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports unless Canada strengthens border security, with a focus on fentanyl and illegal migrant crossings.
The operation, described by the government as a “preparation and planning plan,” will target activities outside the 14 official federal border crossings.
“In partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Operation Deterrence activities will be enhanced through the Emergency Response Team, front-line officers and additional specialized resources, including canine units, commercial vehicle inspections and criminal investigators,” it is explained in the government press release.
The release said Ontario officials participated in a joint planning and preparation exercise with federal authorities on Friday to promote coordination at the border.
Ottawa announced a series of measures following Donald Trump’s electoral victory in the fall to better secure the border with a 1.3 billion program, in response to the threat. The president-elect has not said whether he will suspend the tariffs.
Ontario has not received any additional funding from the federal government for the new border measures.
Alberta announced last month that it would create a new sheriff’s unit to patrol the Canada-US border. The unit will be supported by approximately 50 armed sheriffs, 10 cold weather surveillance drones and four drug detection dogs. It should be operational shortly, said Prime Minister Danielle Smith.
Manitoba has also announced its intention to strengthen its border, with the help of conservation agents for surveillance, Prime Minister Wab Kinew said last month.
The country’s prime ministers plan to hold a conference call on Wednesday to discuss the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the prorogation of Parliament, but also the threat of tariffs and a trip by the premiers to Washington in February, Doug Ford’s office said.
