OTTAWA, Dec 2 – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has assured President-elect Donald Trump of stronger border security measures during a recent meeting in Florida, a senior Canadian official revealed.
Trudeau and Trump dined together on Nov 29, where they discussed measures to enhance security along the long, largely undefended Canada-US border. Trump has previously threatened tariffs on Canadian imports unless Ottawa curbs the flow of migrants and drugs into the United States.
Enhanced Security Measures
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who attended the dinner, said Canada would implement visible and robust steps to address border concerns.
“We’re going to look to procure, for example, additional drones, additional police helicopters, and redeploy personnel. We believe that the border is secure, but we’re committed to stepping up in a visible and muscular way,” LeBlanc told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
He added that further details of these measures would be shared in the coming weeks.
Economic Stakes
Trudeau’s commitment comes as Canada seeks to avoid punitive tariffs that could harm its economy, given that 75% of Canadian exports go to the US. LeBlanc emphasized the importance of showcasing the interconnectedness of both economies to deter tariff impositions.
“I’m confident the Americans will understand that it’s not in their interest to proceed with tariffs,” he said, describing the meeting as “very warm and cordial.”
Shifting Dynamics
Trump, who called the meeting “very productive,” highlighted discussions on trade, energy, and border security. The friendly tone marked a departure from past tensions, including Trump’s 2022 criticism of Trudeau as a “far-left lunatic” over COVID-19 vaccine mandates and his 2018 G7 summit departure where he labeled Trudeau “very dishonest and weak.”
The meeting ended on a positive note, with Trump walking Trudeau to his car and inviting him to “keep in touch” and “call anytime.”
Further updates on Canada’s border initiatives are expected in the coming weeks.