The Canadian federal government on Tuesday announced a new plan to improve border security and strengthen the immigration system.
This move is in reaction to a threat from US President-elect Donald Trump that he would impose a 25-per cent tariff on all Canadian imports unless Canada stops illegal immigration and the smuggling of the opioid fentanyl into U.S. territory.
According to a Public Safety Canada press release, the plan will have five pillars namely, detecting and disrupting fentanyl trade, new tools for law enforcement, enhancements of operational coordination, improved information sharing, and decreasing unnecessary border volumes.
"It's an important step to show Canadians and our American partners that we share their concern around border security and border integrity," said Dominic LeBlanc, the finance minister, adding that he had encouraging conversations with Trump's incoming team.
In Monday's fall economic statement, the federal government earmarked 1.3 billion Canadian dollars (907 million U.S. dollars) over six years to strengthen U.S.-Canada border security.
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