Canada’s Liberal government has announced a sweeping $1.3 billion plan to strengthen border security, with Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc revealing bold new measures to tackle cross-border crime and enhance national safety. The announcement, made on Tuesday, includes proposals for a “North America Joint Strike Force” to be discussed with U.S. officials.
“This joint task force will focus on combating threats like drug trafficking and unauthorized border crossings,” LeBlanc stated. Key components of the initiative include dedicated synthetic drug units, expanded binational border enforcement teams, and enhanced technical operations to close surveillance gaps.
The strategy also features an “Aerial Intelligence Task Force” equipped with helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers to provide 24/7 monitoring at critical border points. These efforts aim to deter illicit activities and address growing security challenges.
Funded as part of a six-year investment outlined in the fall budget, the $1.3 billion package will support Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the RCMP. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to border integrity and national security.
The announcement comes amid heightened U.S. pressure to address fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration. While U.S. apprehensions at the southern border reached 1.5 million in 2024, the northern border saw 23,721 individuals intercepted, signaling a growing concern.
Minister LeBlanc, recently appointed finance minister after Chrystia Freeland’s resignation, emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating, “Canada and the U.S. must work together to address these shared challenges and ensure the safety of our citizens.”
The proposed measures aim to strengthen Canada’s border capabilities and reinforce its partnership with the United States on pressing security issues.