Canada’s government on Monday proposed allocating C$1.3 billion ($913.05 million) to enhance border security in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs unless Canada curbs the movement of migrants and drugs into the United States.
The funding, part of the fall economic statement, would be directed to Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, according to the statement. It also outlined plans to introduce legislative amendments to the Customs Act, granting Canada Border Services new authority to inspect goods bound for export.
Trump has warned of imposing 25% tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. unless action is taken to address border issues. The U.S. Border Patrol reported apprehending over 23,000 migrants near the Canada-U.S. border in the 12 months ending in October, more than double the figures from the previous year. However, this remains a small fraction compared to the 1.5 million apprehended near the U.S.-Mexico border during the same period.
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Canadian authorities have taken steps to enhance border security, including installing additional cameras and sensors along the border over the past four years. While Ottawa has pledged to deploy more officers and technology to monitor southbound crossings, Canadian law enforcement officials admit there are limits to their ability to prevent migrants from crossing into the U.S.
Last week, Alberta announced the creation of its own border patrol, though the province has reported minimal migrant crossings.
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