The two federal agencies responsible for border security are in the process of identifying what new equipment they need to increase their capabilities, according to Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
LeBlanc said he will be working “very quickly” with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and other colleagues to ensure the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are able to procure the new equipment.
“I spoke to the commissioner of the RCMP and the president of CBSA about this this morning, and when we have details of what additional equipment will arrive, we'll be happy to share them with you,” LeBlanc told reporters in Ottawa on Dec. 2.
LeBlanc was the only elected official to accompany Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to visit U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida last week. The trip came a few days after Trump said he would impose a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico if they don’t improve border security around immigration and drug smuggling.
LeBlanc and his colleagues have said in recent days they share Trump’s view that border security is a top priority.
The minister did not want to expand on what specific type of equipment will be purchased for the security agencies, but it will apparently include technologies for aerial monitoring under different conditions.
“We’re not going to bring the shopping list of exactly what models of drones we’re going to buy, or what kind of helicopter, two engines, one engine, what kind of infrared sensors and night vision equipment will be on those helicopters,” he said.
So far the conversation on border security has mostly revolved around resources, whether human or technical. LeBlanc was asked by reporters whether his government is considering making policy changes around the responsibility areas of different law enforcement agencies, such as increasing the CBSA’s jurisdiction.
The border agency is responsible for security at ports of entry, whereas the RCMP is in charge of the border between those ports.
LeBlanc said the idea has been considered and discussed with the RCMP commissioner, but no decision has been made yet.
The minister noted the RCMP has access to criminal intelligence and partnerships with the FBI and other organizations that allow it to fulfill its mandate.
“If we were to undertake a big machinery and government change that may require legislation in the room behind me [House of Commons], I’m not sure it would speak to the urgency of the matter,” LeBlanc said. “But we’re always looking at good ideas, and we’re not dismissing this one, but it’s not a priority for us in terms of arriving at the conclusion we want.”
Shortly after Trump’s election, the RCMP said it had prepared a contingency plan to deal with the potential increase of migrants seeking to cross illegally into Canada.
