Canada has agreed to deploy its $1.3-billion border enhancement plan, including nearly 10,000 frontline personnel, advanced technology, and helicopters, to bolster security along the U.S. border. In exchange, the White House has paused 25% tariffs on Canadian goods for at least 30 days.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the agreement following a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. Canada also committed to appointing a “fentanyl czar,” listing drug cartels as terrorists, and launching a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl, and money laundering, at an estimated cost of $200 million.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the initial outcome but emphasized that the issue would be revisited after 30 days. The tariffs, initially set to take effect on February 4, were part of Trump’s broader concerns over illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and trade imbalances, including Canada’s protectionist policies on dairy and poultry.
Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for increased military presence and additional border agents, while provincial leaders like Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe supported enhanced border measures.
Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to defending its interests while avoiding escalation, stating, “We did not ask for this, but we will not back down.”