President-elect Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose a 25% blanket tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico have sparked concern and debate. However, the situation presents not just a challenge but also a unique opportunity for Canada to strengthen collaboration with the United States on key shared issues like border security, immigration, and the fight against fentanyl smuggling.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in response to Trump’s remarks, struck a resonant tone for American audiences, calling the comparison of Canada to Mexico “insulting” and likening it to “a family member stabbing you in the heart.” His populist rhetoric, factually grounded and emotionally compelling, exemplifies the type of messaging Canada could use to influence U.S. policymakers and the public.
The broader strategy, however, must go beyond words. Canada and the U.S. share the world’s longest border and face intertwined challenges that require cooperation. Trump’s concerns about illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking align with Canada’s own priorities. Working together, the two nations can create solutions that benefit both countries, much like the post-9/11 Smart Border Declaration, which improved border security and trade efficiency.
In the fight against fentanyl, Canada and the U.S. both seek to curtail shipments from China, but solo agreements are insufficient. Without coordinated action, drug routes could shift, worsening the crisis on both sides of the border. A united approach to pressuring Beijing could yield better results, protecting citizens in both nations.
On immigration, expanding the Safe Third Country Agreement to eliminate loopholes could help address Trump’s concerns about illegal crossings from Canada. Strengthening this policy would benefit both nations, ensuring a streamlined system for managing refugee claims while reducing border tensions.
Trump’s demands may feel like a threat, but they also offer an opportunity to revisit and enhance cross-border collaboration. By addressing shared priorities and crafting mutually beneficial agreements, Canada and the U.S. can turn conflict into cooperation, fostering solutions that work for both nations.
