Ontario launches new border security measures in wake of Trump tariff threats

The Ontario government says it has launched new border security measures aimed at preventing illegal border crossings and cross-border transporting of illegal guns and drugs. 

It is also calling on the federal government to do more to help.

Under Operation Deterrence, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) set up an emergency response team of 200 officers, plus front-line and specialty officers, according to a news release Tuesday by the province.

As of Dec. 6, OPP had conducted more than 6,000 hours of patrols, using fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft, boats, off-road vehicles, patrol vehicles and foot patrol, the province said.

CBC asked the solicitor general's office how many individuals the initiative has so far detained as they were attempting to illegally cross the border; it also asked about the quantity of illegal drugs and weapons seized as part of the operation. Spokesperson Chelsea McGee did not answer those questions.  

CBC has put the same questions to OPP, but has not yet received any response.

WATCH | Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Trump's tariff ideas aren't 'realistic':

Ontario to enhance security at U.S. border as Trump tariff threat looms

2 days ago

Duration 2:31

The Ontario government has enhanced security measures along its border with the United States as part of its response to tariff threats from Donald Trump. As CBC’s Shawn Jeffords reports, Ontario Premier Doug Ford made several appearances on international media to make his case.

"Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border," Premier Doug Ford said in the release.

"We need to see words turned into visible action … In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs. A more coordinated, Team Canada approach that includes more boots on the ground is the only way to detect, deter and disrupt illegal activity and ensure the safety and security of Canadian and American communities."

Ontario's initiative follows those of two other provinces in the wake of threats by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada tightens border security:

• Alberta announced last month that it will create a new sheriff unit to patrol the Canada-U.S. border.  
• Manitoba has announced plans to use conservation officers to help enhance border security.

200 officers at borders 'a good start'

Operation Deterrence will target its activities outside the 14 official border crossings staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the province said.

It's intended as a supplement to existing and ongoing efforts to protect Ontario-U.S. borders, including the OPP's Joint Forces Border Drug Interdiction Task Force.

Ontario officers will work in partnership with the RCMP and make use of specialty resources, including canine units, commercial motor vehicle inspections and criminal investigators, the province said. 

In Windsor, across from the Detroit River from Michigan, the southwestern Ontario city's harbour master called the initiative "long overdue" and said he looks forward to the federal government bringing more funding to the table.

"I think the 200 officers is a good start," said Peter Berry of the Windsor Port Authority.

"There needs to be a lot more. We also have to augment that with technology, whether it be cameras or sensors, radar."

The port has seen a significant increase in attempts to cross the border, Berry said.

And there are likely many more crossings officials are unaware of, he added. 

Berry sees the current initiative as a reaction to Trump's tariff threats. But what's really needed is a pro-active approach involving "more bodies, more attention, more technology, more boats," he said.

"What I'd like to see is a border management plan with all the agencies at the table," Berry said.

There also needs to be more funding for ports to improve controls, he added.

"A lot of these ports like ours are small, and we can't afford large infrastructure to put cameras and sensors. So we need that assistance," he said.

The new a

Berry and his team typically operate with low morale because they're trying to do the best job possible without support, he said.

"Now that the support ... is there, I'm certain we're going to feel better about it," he said.