Saskatchewan creates U.S. border security plan days ahead of Trump inauguration

The Saskatchewan government has announced a plan to strengthen security along the province's border with the U.S.,  ahead of tariffs threatened against Canada unless it tightens its borders.

In November, president-elect Donald Trump threatened a 25 per cent tariff on all products imported from Canada and Mexico unless those countries clamp down on the movement of drugs and migrants across their borders.

While repeatedly emphasizing the United States's role as Canada's largest trading partner, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said that the "very real" threat of tariffs are only a part of the province's decision. He said it's about working with the neighbouring ally on their needs.

"The flow of, whether it be illegal migrants, or whether it be illicit drugs, or whether it be illegal firearms is north not south and we have a vested interest in stopping that," Moe said during a news conference Tuesday.

The Saskatchewan border security plan is meant to combine forces that are part of provincial protective services, such as the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, with other provincial policing services and federal agencies.

Moe said 16 provincial police officers from conservation, highway patrol and canine-handler teams are being redeployed to the "high-priority" areas around the border, with other equipment including drones and three airplanes expected to surveil the area.

Moe said another 95 officers are also prepared to assist border patrol.

Justice Minister Tim McLeod said the cost of the plan will be "minimal" because it's predominantly a redeployment of officers with altered priorities to focus on the border. However, he would not provide a specific cost to the changes, only stating the use of equipment like surveillance planes will affect the cost.

WATCH | Sask. government announces new border security measures in wake of Trump's tariff threat: 

Sask. government announces new border security measures in wake of Trump's tariff threat

2 days ago

Duration 2:03

Premier Scott Moe unveiled a new border security plan with more law enforcement officers on Tuesday. The increased border measures are an attempt to placate Donald Trump, who plans to impose tariffs on Canadian imports.

The Saskatchewan government said the provincial services will not take over federal border responsibilities, which remain under the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP.

Saskatchewan officers are expected to patrol within interprovincial borders and southern Saskatchewan near the international border, and complement federal officers protecting the border from "domestic and international threats," not replace them.

WATCH | Premier Scott Moe speaks ahead of Canadian premier meeting in Ottawa: 

Premiers are taking the fight against U.S. tariffs to an American audience

3 days ago

Duration 21:00

With just a week until Donald Trump takes office, Canada's premiers are preparing for his promise to implement 25 per cent tariffs on imported goods. Power & Politics hears from Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on his province's moves. Plus, P.E.I. Premier Dennis King joins us from the road, where 'Team P.E.I.' is on a bus taking their fight to industry leaders and officials in the northeastern U.S.

In mid-December, Ottawa proposed around-the-clock surveillance of the Canada-U.S. border in response to Trump's impending tariff threat.

Moe said it was not clear what the $1.3 billion Canada has set aside to strengthen its borders will look like in action, but he looks forward to working with Ottawa on how to use those funds to tighten the border.

"The initiative that we're putting forward here today is that it will enhance that investment; it will enhance the border security initiatives that are already in place today," Moe said.

Moe and other Canadian premiers are heading to Ottawa this week ahead of the expected Trump-era tariffs.