The Ontario government launched an operation on Tuesday to better protect its borders between federal posts with the United States and to fight criminal activities.
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Operation Deterrence, executed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), will consist of 200 officers from an emergency response team mobilized to border security.
The premier of the province, Doug Ford, specified in a press release that he had asked Ottawa to take additional measures to strengthen the border.
“Waiting for, […] Ontario is stepping up its efforts to crack down on illegal border crossings, as well as illicit weapons and drugs,” he said.
Provincial government officials participated in a planning and preparation exercise with federal authorities last Friday to “promote enhanced coordination” along the border with our neighbors to the south.
Remember that President-elect Donald Trump has been threatening in recent weeks to impose a 25% customs tariff on Canada and Mexico if the borders are not better protected. The latter also threatened to use “economic force” against Canada on Tuesday.
In Quebec, Prime Minister François Legault has also repeatedly asked Ottawa to improve security at the land border.
