Canada-U.S. Border Security and Trade Take Center Stage as Tariff Threat Looms

by Olawunmi Sola-Otegbade
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Canada-U.S. Border Security and Trade Take Center Stage as Tariff Threat Looms

Federal and provincial leaders visited the Canada-U.S. border in Manitoba on Tuesday, following a temporary pause on the 25% tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. that were set to take effect that day.

Federal Public Safety Minister David McGuinty emphasized the importance of trade between the two nations and reiterated Canada’s commitment to strengthening its border security. He highlighted a previously announced $1.3-billion plan, which includes deploying new helicopters, technology, and personnel to reinforce the 49th parallel.

The push for enhanced security comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose the tariffs, citing concerns over border security, illegal drugs—especially fentanyl—and migrants. Such tariffs could severely impact Canada’s economy.

“We have a choice to make between two countries. We can win-win, or we can lose-lose. We think it’s better to win-win,” McGuinty stated, noting that many constituents expressed deep concern over the potential economic fallout.

“This is real for us. It’s real. And we’re making that very well known in the United States, in D.C., and at the White House,” he added.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada would bolster cooperation with U.S. officials to combat illegal drugs and irregular migration. He confirmed that 10,000 front-line personnel will be deployed along the border as part of a broader security effort.

Additionally, Trudeau committed to appointing a fentanyl “czar” and listing Mexican cartels—the primary traffickers of fentanyl into North America—as terrorist organizations under Canadian law. He also introduced the “Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force,” a new initiative focused on tackling organized crime and money laundering, backed by $200 million in funding.

McGuinty pointed out that while less than 1% of the fentanyl entering the U.S. comes through Canada, addressing the crisis remains a priority.

“President Trump has a job to do. Let me just be clear about this for a second. He ran in an election, he had a platform, he made promises to his people, and in his mind, he’s delivering on those promises. We need to be respectful of that. But we also have to cooperate and deal with some of these challenges that we’ve dealt with for 150 years together,” McGuinty said.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl were seized at the northern border last year, compared to 9,570 kilograms at the southwestern border. Despite the disparity, Trump continues to pressure Canada to take stronger measures against the drug, which remains the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45.

McGuinty was joined by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and MP Terry Duguid, the federal minister responsible for the Prairies. Border officials showcased a high-tech scanner capable of detecting substances like fentanyl.

Duguid highlighted Manitoba’s key exports to the U.S., including buses and oats, and stressed the need for vigilance despite the temporary tariff reprieve.

“We got a bit of a reprieve, but that threat still hangs over us,” he warned.

Premier Kinew underscored the importance of strengthening border security, both for trade relations and public safety.

“And let’s be clear. The reason we’re doing this is because this is good for Manitobans. Manitobans want to see fentanyl taken off the streets. Manitobans want a secure border,” Kinew said.

“And if we can make those investments at the same time that we’re strengthening our relationship with the United States of America, helping our economy, then it’s all the better.”

Source: Swifteradio.com

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