What’s a ‘fentanyl czar’? The Canadian government is still figuring that out

When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon, he presented a new proposal: creating a “fentanyl czar” to combat the illegal flow of the deadly drug. This initiative seemed to resonate with Trump, leading to a temporary halt in the escalating trade tensions between the two countries.

The specifics of this new role are still being ironed out, according to Public Safety Minister David McGuinty. The primary objective for the fentanyl czar will be to eliminate illegal fentanyl from Canada, which has been a growing concern due to the alarming number of opioid-related deaths in the country. Organized crime groups have shifted their focus to producing fentanyl domestically, making it imperative for law enforcement agencies to work together to address this issue.

The government is currently searching for a serving or former police officer to fill this crucial role, with plans to finalize the details in the coming days. The fentanyl czar will serve as a liaison between various government agencies, including police, the attorney general, and Health Canada’s chemical labs, to streamline efforts in eradicating fentanyl from Canadian soil.

In addition to the creation of the fentanyl czar, Canada has committed to enhancing border security measures, with a $1.3-billion plan that includes new technology, helicopters, and personnel. The government also plans to designate Mexican cartels as terrorists under Canadian law and implement a $200-million intelligence directive to combat organized crime and fentanyl.

While some voices, like Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, had suggested appointing a retired military general as a “border czar,” the focus remains on addressing the fentanyl crisis and strengthening border security through collaborative efforts with the U.S. Despite calls from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to deploy Canadian soldiers to the border, the Canadian Armed Forces will not be directly involved in border operations. However, they will provide support to the RCMP’s national border task force through planning, logistics, and communications.

The decision to create a fentanyl czar and bolster border security reflects Canada’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and combating organized crime. With the support of various government agencies and law enforcement bodies, the country is taking proactive steps to eliminate the illegal trafficking of fentanyl and protect the health and safety of its citizens.