The provincial government is taking steps to boost security along the Ontario-US border.
The Ford government has launched 'Operation Deterrence' which it calls the province's preparedness and planning framework for enhanced security at international borders, and tackling criminal activity that is harming people on both sides of the border.
In a news release Tuesday, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border.
"We need to see words turned into visible action,” Ford said in the news release. “In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs. A more coordinated, team Canada approach that includes more boots on the ground is the only way to detect, deter and disrupt illegal activity and ensure the safety and security of Canadian and American communities.”
As part of Operation Deterrence, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has an emergency response team of 200 officers that, along with frontline and specialty officers, will continue to be engaged to enhance border security through the use of fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft, boats, off-road vehicles, patrol vehicles and foot patrols.
The province said since December 6, 2024, the OPP has conducted more than 6,000 hours of focused patrols to deter, detect, and disrupt illegal border activity.
Alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Operation Deterrence activity will be enhanced through the use of the emergency response team, frontline officer and additional specialty resources, including canine units.
The provincial operation will target its activities outside of the 14 official border crossings staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), including Windsor and Point Edward.
Tuesday's announcement comes as U.S. president elect Donald Trump threatens to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports once he takes office.
His inauguration is scheduled for Monday, January 20.