Canadian province of Alberta first to unveil new border patrol plan with US

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Alberta became the first known Canadian province on Thursday to announce new border controls with the US, including sheriffs, dogs and drones, according to media reports.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the CAN$29 million ($20.5 million) investment in the Interdiction Patrol Team made up of 51 uniformed officers, 10 support staff, four drug patrol dogs and narcotics analyzers, and 10 drones capable of operating in Alberta’s harsh winters.

US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to slap a 25% tariff on Canadian imports unless Canada takes steps to significantly reduce drugs and illegal immigrants crossing into the US. Trump similarly threatened Mexico with the tariffs.

Alberta will also create a buffer zone of about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) deep along the 298-kilometer border the province shares with the US.

Sheriffs will be given the power to arrest those trying to cross into the US illegally or trafficking illegal drugs or guns without a warrant.

"Together with federal law enforcement, we'll ensure that our section of the American border is well-protected," said Smith, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported. "We'll deny safe haven to criminals looking to operate in both countries, and if we succeed and maintain proper border security, I expect we'll have a very strong relationship with the United States as we always have."

The tariff threat has been taken seriously as it would do significant damage to Canadian businesses. In 2023, Canada exported US$439 billion to the US, according to UN international trade figures.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met virtually with all provincial premiers Wednesday to formulate a plan to counter the tariffs, which Trump said he would put in effect on his first day in office -- Jan. 20.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland promised a “robust Canadian response to the unjustified American tariffs,” at a news conference after the meeting, that are expected to be announced in the coming days.