The Ontario government has officially launched “Operation Deterrence,” a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering security along the international border and combatting criminal activities affecting communities on both sides.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the need for action, stating, “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. In the meantime, Ontario is stepping up with Operation Deterrence to crack down on illegal border crossings and the trafficking of illegal guns and drugs.”
As part of this operation, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has mobilized an emergency response team comprising 200 officers. Since December 6, 2024, the OPP has dedicated over 6,000 hours to focused patrols aimed at deterring and disrupting illegal border activities. This effort includes the use of various resources such as aircraft, helicopters, boats, and specialized units in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner reinforced the importance of this initiative, stating, “Securing our shared border is essential to keeping streets across Ontario, Canada, and America safe. Operation Deterrence will implement concrete actions to halt the flow of illegal guns and drugs and protect communities on both sides of the border.”
Operation Deterrence will focus on areas outside of the 14 official border crossings managed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and will complement ongoing efforts to enhance border security, including the OPP’s Joint Forces Border Drug Interdiction Task Force.
Quick Facts:
- On January 3, Ontario officials participated in a joint planning exercise with federal authorities to enhance coordination against illegal border crossings and smuggling.
- Ontario has urged the federal government to address U.S. economic and security concerns, including matching tariffs on China and presenting a credible plan for NATO defense spending.
- If Ontario were an independent nation, it would rank as the U.S.’s third-largest trading partner, with a balanced two-way trade of CAD $493 billion in 2023.
For further information, please contact:
- Grace Lee, Premier’s Office: Grace.Lee5@ontario.ca
- Chelsea McGee, Solicitor General Kerzner’s Office: Chelsea.McGee@ontario.ca
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