Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Tuesday that the province will bolster security along its border with the United States in response to tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The initiative, called Operation Deterrence, will deploy 200 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers to enhance patrols and crack down on illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and smuggling of firearms.
The operation will leverage advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, helicopters, boats, and patrol vehicles. Additionally, the OPP will partner with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and use specialized resources such as canine units, commercial motor vehicle inspections, and criminal investigators.
“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. “In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs.”
The plan primarily targets activities outside the 14 official border crossings monitored by federal agents, focusing on unregulated entry points.
Trump has warned of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada strengthens its border security, particularly against fentanyl trafficking and illegal crossings. The tariffs could take effect on Trump’s first day in office, January 20, unless Canada meets his demands.
Ontario’s move comes as part of a broader national response to Trump’s border concerns. Following Trump’s election victory, the federal government announced a $1.3-billion package to enhance border security. However, Ontario has yet to receive additional federal funding for its measures.
Other provinces are also ramping up their border efforts. Alberta plans to deploy 50 armed sheriffs, cold-weather drones, and drug detection dogs, while Manitoba will enlist conservation officers for surveillance operations.
Ontario officials joined federal authorities last week in a joint planning and readiness exercise to promote cross-agency coordination. The country’s premiers are scheduled to hold a call Wednesday to discuss Trump’s tariff threats, border security, and upcoming plans for a trip to Washington, D.C., in February.
Ford emphasized the importance of a united approach, saying, “A more co-ordinated, Team Canada approach that includes more boots on the ground is the only way to address the problem.”
As Trump’s tariff deadline looms, the heightened focus on border security underscores the growing economic and political stakes for Canada. For now, Operation Deterrence is Ontario’s bold step toward addressing the challenge.