Rainy River border crossing, July 2019. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
The provincial government is working to strengthen the Ontario-U.S border.
They have launched Operation Deterrence which is the province’s preparedness and planning framework for enhanced security at its borders.
“Ontario has been calling on the federal government to step up and address safety and security concerns at the border,” said Premier Doug Ford. “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.”
A provincial police response team made up of 200 officers alongside other specialty officers has been and will continue to engage in enhanced border security.
Since December the OPP has conducted more than 6,000 hours of focused patrols to deter, detect and disrupt illegal border activity using fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft, boats, off-road vehicles, patrol vehicles and foot patrol.
“Our government has been crystal clear – securing our shared border is essential to keeping streets across Ontario, Canada and America safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Operation Deterrence will put concrete actions in place that will put a halt on the flow of illegal guns and drugs into our province and protect communities on both sides of the border.”
The operation will focus its efforts outside of the 14 official border crossings staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The program is being run in addition to existing and ongoing efforts like the OPP’s Joint Forces Border Drug Interdiction Task Force to better protect Ontario-U.S. borders.
The program is being delivered in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
