Canada Vows More Action on Border Security, Fentanyl in Response to Trump’s Tariff Threat

Top Canadian officials are working to reassure the incoming Trump administration of their commitment to border security, with the country’s public safety minister pledging to further strengthen protocols to combat the flow of the deadly drug fentanyl into the United States, a key demand from President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods unless Ottawa gets tougher on border security.
Trump previously said Canada would pay a “very big price” if they failed to solve the “long simmering problem” of fentanyl and illegal immigrants flowing into the United States from Canada.
In their response, the pair of Canadian officials noted that law enforcement agencies from both countries have been working closely together to “disrupt the scourge of the fentanyl coming from China and other countries” and that they’ll continue their joint efforts in this regard. They also pledged that the Canada Border Services Agency will strengthen its ability to detect illicit drugs crossing the border, including by the use of enhanced inspections at ports of entry, detector dogs, and high-tech.
“This is something that we can do. Laying out the facts, moving forward in constructive ways,” Trudeau said. “This is a relationship that we know takes a certain amount of working on and that’s what we’ll do.”
Homan expressed concern about individuals with terrorist links crossing into the United States, noting that fewer agents are assigned to secure the Canadian border due to the higher priority placed on the Mexican border.
During his presidential campaign, Trump said he would impose broad tariffs of between 10 and 20 percent on all goods imported to the United States. While he said Mexico could be targeted with higher tariffs, he had not previously discussed his plans for Canada.