Canada Proposes C$1.3 Billion for Border Security

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada's government on Monday proposed C$1.3 billion ($913.05 million) for border security following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threats of tariffs unless Canada limits the movement of migrants and drugs.

The border funding proposal is part of the mini-budget, or fall economic statement, unveiled on Monday. Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on all exports from Canada and Mexico to the U.S.

The funding is designated for various agencies, including Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Furthermore, the government plans to introduce legislative amendments to the Customs Act that will grant new inspection authorities to the Canada Border Services.

Over the past year, U.S. border patrol apprehended over 23,000 migrants near the Canada-U.S. border, which is more than double the previous year's figure. However, this remains a fraction of the 1.5 million apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border during the same time.

Canadian police have installed more cameras and sensors over the last four years along this section of the border. Ottawa has also promised to deploy more officers and technology aimed at addressing southbound border-crossers, despite acknowledging limitations in halting southbound migration.

Last week, Alberta province announced its own border patrol initiative, although very few migrants have crossed in that area.

(Note: $1 = 1.4238 Canadian dollars)