LeBlanc says he’s meeting with Trump’s border czar after Christmas to present $1.3B plan

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is gearing up for a crucial meeting with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s border czar after the Christmas holidays. The purpose of the meeting is to present Canada’s proposed $1.3 billion plan to enhance security measures along the shared border with the United States.

In response to Trump’s recent threat of imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports, LeBlanc, who is currently serving as both finance minister and public safety minister, introduced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at bolstering 24/7 surveillance of the Canada-U.S. border. These measures include equipping the RCMP with helicopters, drones, and mobile surveillance towers, as well as proposing the establishment of a new joint “strike force” to collaborate with the U.S. in sharing intelligence to disrupt the flow of fentanyl.

During a press briefing in Dorchester, N.B., LeBlanc revealed that he had a positive initial conversation with Tom Homan, a seasoned immigration official appointed by Trump to oversee U.S. border issues. The two have agreed to meet in person in the U.S. shortly after the Christmas break to discuss the details of Canada’s proposed security package.

The urgency to strengthen border security and expedite Ottawa’s plan stems from Trump’s concerns about border security, illegal migrants, and the influx of drugs like fentanyl. Despite data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection showing that the amount of fentanyl seized along the northern border is significantly lower than that seized at the Mexican border, Trump remains steadfast in his tariff threat.

LeBlanc emphasized the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue with the incoming administration to address these pressing issues. He acknowledged the potential repercussions of the proposed tariffs on Canadian workers and the economy, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate these challenges.

Homan, a vocal critic of the northern border’s security vulnerabilities, has previously held key positions in Immigration and Customs Enforcement, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. As the meeting with Homan approaches, LeBlanc remains optimistic about fostering a cooperative relationship with Trump’s administration while acknowledging the substantial work ahead to safeguard the interests of Canadians.

The meeting between LeBlanc and Homan holds significant implications for Canada-U.S. relations, with the outcome poised to shape the future of border security cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Stay tuned for updates on the outcome of this pivotal discussion.