Ottawa has announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen border security and the immigration system following US President-elect Donald Trump's warning of imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The plan focuses on five key areas: combating fentanyl smuggling, equipping law enforcement with new tools, enhancing operational coordination, increasing information sharing, and reducing border congestion.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, now also Finance Minister, emphasized the importance of reassuring Canadians and the US about Canada’s commitment to border integrity. The government has allocated 1.3 billion Canadian dollars over six years for these initiatives.
The announcement comes amid political turmoil in Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau facing calls for resignation following Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s exit and dissent within the Liberal Party.