Canada Eyes Border Crackdown to Avoid Renewed U.S. Tariffs, Says Defence Minister

With the U.S. granting a 30-day reprieve on tariffs, Defence Minister Bill Blair believes Canada can avoid further economic penalties if it proves that its border security measures are effectively reducing the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S.

Stronger Border Measures to Satisfy U.S. Demands

Speaking from Washington, D.C., Blair confirmed that Canada has committed to major border security enhancements, including:

• $1.3 billion in new border funding (first announced in December).
• $200 million for intelligence operations targeting organized crime and fentanyl smuggling.
• The appointment of a “fentanyl czar” to oversee enforcement and intelligence-sharing.
• Designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations to facilitate crackdowns.
• Deploying 10,000 frontline personnel to enhance border surveillance and policing.

No Plans to Deploy Military to Border

Despite calls from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to send Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops, helicopters, and surveillance teams to the border, Blair rejected the idea as “entirely inappropriate.”

“The RCMP is responsible for border enforcement, and they will receive support in logistics and surveillance from the CAF,” Blair said. “We are not deploying armed forces to the border—it’s not what’s required.”

By contrast, Mexico has agreed to send 10,000 military personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a similar tariff deal with President Donald Trump.

Trump Open to Further Negotiations

While announcing the temporary suspension of the 25% tariffs, Trump praised Canada’s border security commitments and hinted at the potential for a longer-term economic deal if Ottawa demonstrates tangible results.

“The next 30 days will be crucial,” Blair noted. “If we can show that these investments are working, we may be able to avoid further tariff discussions.”

Canada’s Counter-Tariff Plans Remain in Play

Before the tariff pause, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had unveiled a $155 billion counter-tariff package, along with potential non-tariff measures such as ending partnerships with U.S. firms. However, Blair clarified that Canada will not back out of key U.S. defence contracts, including the $73.9 billion purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets.

“We remain committed to the F-35 program,” Blair confirmed, underscoring Canada’s continued defence collaboration with the U.S. despite trade tensions.

What’s Next?

With Trump’s tariff pause set to expire in early March, Ottawa is under pressure to deliver results quickly. The RCMP has already stepped up border enforcement, recently intercepting six illegal crossings into Manitoba, and further operations are expected.

As negotiations continue, Canada must prove that its border security commitments are more than just promises—or risk facing a new wave of U.S. trade penalties next month.