New Border Task Force and 24/7 Surveillance Announced by Ottawa in Response to Trump Tariff Threats

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has outlined the government’s latest $1.3 billion initiative to bolster security along the Canada-U.S. border. The plan includes establishing a new North American task force aimed at combating organized crime and synthetic drug trafficking, as well as implementing round-the-clock border surveillance.

Prior to assuming his current position, LeBlanc served as the Minister of Public Safety and was sworn in as Finance Minister on Dec. 16. He emphasized that the new measures are designed to enhance border security against illegal drugs and unauthorized migration, with a particular focus on combating fentanyl and its precursors. This announcement comes following threats from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless they take substantial action to strengthen their borders.

LeBlanc articulated that Ottawa’s border strategy is built on five key pillars: disrupting the fentanyl trade, equipping law enforcement with new tools, enhancing operational coordination, increasing information-sharing, and preventing the flow of migrants across the border.

The federal government intends to leverage artificial intelligence and imaging technologies to address the flow of fentanyl and identify illicit drugs. Additionally, investments will be made in helicopters, drones, and surveillance towers to enable continuous monitoring between entry points and complement existing control measures.

Furthermore, there is a proposal to establish a new North American Joint Strike Force to combat transnational organized crime. LeBlanc suggested that this could involve providing support and operational reinforcements, establishing specialized units for synthetic drugs, creating dedicated enforcement squads, and enhancing technical capacity.

Health Canada will receive funding to establish a chemical precursor risk management unit that will intercept illegal imports and offer greater insights into precursor chemicals and their distribution networks.

LeBlanc also proposed expanding the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) authority to allow border officers to examine exports in the same manner as imports, enabling them to crack down on the illicit production of drugs domestically.

During a press conference on Dec. 17, when questioned about whether he believed these border measures would prevent the United States from imposing tariffs on Canada, LeBlanc characterized them as a “significant step” in demonstrating to Canadians and Americans their commitment to addressing border issues. He expressed optimism based on discussions with U.S. officials but acknowledged that more work remains to be done.

While the Fall Economic Statement released on Dec. 16 suggested granting additional powers to the CBSA to inspect goods destined for export, it did not provide specifics on other border initiatives or how the allocated $1.3 billion in funding over the next six years would be utilized.