Internal federal government report warned U.S. claims about a crisis at the border could affect trade, travel

An internal government report issued a cautionary warning a year ago regarding the negative rhetoric surrounding the security of the Canada-U.S. border. The report highlighted that such discourse could potentially lead to a thickening of the 49th parallel, resulting in adverse effects on trade and travel between the two nations.

Authored by a diplomat at Canada’s embassy in Washington, the report emphasized the importance of countering U.S. claims about a supposed “crisis at the northern border” to prevent the erosion of Canada’s reputation as a secure neighbor. The document, released in February 2024 through the Access to Information Act, coincided with threats from the Trump White House of imposing significant tariffs on Canada due to concerns about the influx of migrants and illicit drugs like fentanyl.

In response to these threats, Canada announced a $1.3-billion initiative in December to enhance border security and surveillance, including the deployment of new drones and helicopters. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau further allocated an additional $200 million to combat organized crime earlier this month.

The report, drafted amidst the U.S. presidential race, identified early signs in the U.S. regarding irregular migration and fentanyl trafficking from Canada and concluded that these issues were largely misrepresented. It highlighted that over the past year, members of Congress, particularly Republicans, had referenced the northern border in a negative context approximately 1,000 times.

The report, circulated among various federal officials, underscored the need to refute the misinformation and sensationalism surrounding the border situation. It acknowledged a noticeable increase in apprehensions and encounters along certain sections of the northern border, but clarified that these instances represented a small fraction of overall irregular entries into the U.S., particularly due to reduced cross-border travel during the pandemic.

While acknowledging the interception of fentanyl from Canada, the report emphasized that this accounted for a minimal percentage of the total amount of the synthetic opioid seized at the U.S. border. It also noted the reciprocal flow of fentanyl from the U.S. into Canada, emphasizing the efficient functioning of the Canada-U.S. border.

Despite the positive assessment of border management, the report highlighted the potential repercussions of heightened U.S. concerns. It raised concerns about the impact of intensified rhetoric on discouraging policies that facilitate cross-border movement and potentially leading to a reinforcement of border security measures akin to the post-9/11 era.

The report stressed the importance of Canadian officials actively promoting the Canada-U.S. border as one of the safest and most well-regulated borders globally. It recommended engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, from legislators to community commentators, to uphold the trust and confidence of businesses and travelers in the border’s integrity.