December 19th, 2024

Ottawa proposes 24/7 surveillance of Canada-U.S. border

The Canadian government announced a $1.3 billion plan to enhance border security, targeting fentanyl trafficking and organized crime, while tightening immigration processes amid political tensions following Finance Minister Freeland's resignation.

Read original articleLink Icon
Ottawa proposes 24/7 surveillance of Canada-U.S. border

The Canadian government has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance border security in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threats of imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. The initiative includes a $1.3 billion investment aimed at disrupting the flow of fentanyl and improving surveillance along the Canada-U.S. border. Key components of the plan involve equipping the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers, as well as establishing a new joint "strike force" to combat organized crime. The government aims to bolster law enforcement capabilities through advanced technology, including artificial intelligence for drug detection and enhanced intelligence-sharing with U.S. authorities. Additionally, the plan proposes hiring 150 new RCMP officers and expanding the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) resources for drug detection. The government is also looking to address immigration concerns by tightening the asylum system and curbing practices like "flagpoling." The announcement comes amid political tensions following the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who expressed concerns about the government's approach to Trump's tariff threats. The effectiveness of these measures in preventing tariffs remains uncertain, but officials are optimistic about ongoing discussions with the incoming U.S. administration.

- Canada plans to invest $1.3 billion in border security measures.

- New technologies and a joint strike force will target fentanyl trafficking and organized crime.

- The RCMP will receive additional resources, including helicopters and drones.

- The government aims to tighten immigration and asylum processes.

- Political tensions arise following the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Link Icon 1 comments
By @zeagle - 4 months
I don’t imagine anything Canada does or doesn’t do will change Trumps mind on this, but hopefully it will ironically reduce the flow of drugs and guns into Canada from the US.

Also I imagine most of it comes in smuggled in vehicle traffic at regular border crossings due to volume and ease, not random bush in the middle of no where.