Close X
Thursday, January 23, 2025
ADVT 
National

Ontario launches border-strengthening operation as Trump tariff threat looms

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 07 Jan, 2025 02:11 PM
  • Ontario launches border-strengthening operation as Trump tariff threat looms

Ontario will beef up security along its border with the United States as part of its response to tariff threats from U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday.

The move, dubbed Operation Deterrence, will see some 200 Ontario Provincial Police officers focused on boosting border security. The OPP has been increasing patrols along the vast border using airplanes, helicopters drones, boats and patrol vehicles.

"Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border," Ford said in a statement.

"We need to see words turned into visible action. In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs."

Ford said a "more co-ordinated, Team Canada approach that includes more boots on the ground" is the only way to address the problem. 

Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods on his first day in office on Jan. 20 unless Canada tightens border security, with an emphasis on fentanyl trafficking and illegal crossings. 

The province said its operation, which it describes as a "preparedness and planning framework," will target activities outside of the 14 official border crossings staffed by federal border agents.

"In partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Operation Deterrence activity will be enhanced through the use of the emergency response team, front-line officers and additional specialty resources, including canine units, commercial motor vehicle inspections and criminal investigators," it said.

Ontario officials took part in a joint planning and readiness exercise with federal authorities on Friday to promote co-ordination at the border, the province said. 

The federal government announced a series of measures following Trump's election victory in the fall to better secure the border with a $1.3-billion package, in response to the threat. Trump has not said if he will pause the tariffs.

Ontario has not received any new money from the federal government on the new border measures.

Alberta announced last month it would create a new sheriff unit to patrol the Canada-U.S. border. The unit will be supported by about 50 armed sheriffs, 10 cold weather surveillance drones and four drug detection dogs. It is expected to be operational shortly, Premier Danielle Smith said.

Manitoba has also announced plans to beef up its border, with conservation officers helping out with surveillance, Premier Wab Kinew said last month.

The country's premiers plan to hold a call Wednesday to discuss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation and Parliament's prorogation, the tariff threat and a premiers' trip to Washington, D.C., in February, Ford's office said.

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency
The federal privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into the World Anti-Doping Agency's handling of biological samples collected from athletes. The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne says the investigation will examine whether the collection, use and disclosure practices of the organization respect Canada's personal information law for the private sector.

Canada's privacy commissioner opens investigation into World Anti-Doping Agency

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages
The union representing locked-out port workers in British Columbia says it plans to challenge the federal government's intervention in the ongoing labour dispute. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship & Dock Foremen Local 514 called the government's move an insult to the union and to workers' bargaining rights. 

Union says it will challenge Ottawa's intervention in B.C. port work stoppages

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer
The teenager who tested positive for bird flu in British Columbia is in critical condition and being treated at B.C. Children's Hospital, the provincial health officer says. Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday contact tracing being conducted has not identified anyone else linked to the case of the teen who has fallen ill.

B.C. teen with bird flu is in critical care, infection source unknown: health officer

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police
Two people have been charged after a Metro Vancouver Transit Police investigation turned up guns and illicit drugs, including fentanyl disguised as dog treats. Police say they began investigating an alleged drug trafficking operation based in Surrey, B.C., last spring, leading to the arrest of a man and a woman from the area.

Drugs disguised as dog treats seized by Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run
Police on Vancouver Island are appealing for witnesses after a 60-year-old skateboarder was hurt in a hit-and-run on Remembrance Day. Mounties say it happened along Comox Road near Scott Road, outside Courtenay.

Skateboarder hurt in hit and run

Former B.C. premier John Horgan passes away at 65

Former B.C. premier John Horgan passes away at 65
Ambassador to Germany and former British Columbia premier John Horgan has died at the age of 65, after his third bout with cancer. Horgan served as B.C.'s New Democrat premier for five years before stepping down in 2022, then was appointed ambassador last year.

Former B.C. premier John Horgan passes away at 65