Canadian Official: Canada to Strengthen Border Control with U.S.
A senior Canadian official stated on Sunday (December 1) that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to enhance control over the long-unguarded shared border between Canada and the U.S., as they seek to address concerns raised by President Trump.
According to Reuters, Trudeau flew to Florida last Friday to have dinner with Trump. Trump has warned that unless Canada prevents immigrants and drugs from crossing the border, he will impose tariffs on goods imported from this allied neighbor and neighboring country.
With 75% of Canada’s goods and services exported to the U.S., tariffs would severely damage Canada’s economy.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Public Safety Minister, who sat at the main table with Trudeau and Trump during the dinner, mentioned that the two leaders discussed additional security measures Canada is preparing to take.
LeBlanc told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC), “We will focus on procurement, such as more drones, more police helicopters, we will redeploy personnel… We believe the border is secure.”
“I think it is important to show Canadians and Americans that we are taking swift and strong action, and that is what we are going to do,” he added, promising to provide more details in the coming days and weeks.
Considering the mutual economic interdependence of the two countries, Canada will continue to emphasize that imposing tariffs will be detrimental to the interests of both countries.
“I believe Americans will understand that acting in this way… is not in their best interests,” he added, describing the atmosphere at the dinner as very warm and friendly.
On Saturday, Trump stated that his meeting with Trudeau was “very productive,” as they discussed border, trade, and energy issues.
LeBlanc informed CBC that at the end of the dinner, Trump escorted Trudeau to his car and said, “Stay in touch. Call me anytime. We’ll talk again soon.”