VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The individual chosen by the Canadian government to combat the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. aims to completely eradicate the drug from crossing the border. Kevin Brosseau, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police member and ex-national security and intelligence adviser, spoke on Wednesday, emphasizing that reaching a goal of zero fentanyl entering the U.S. should be a collective objective.
Brosseau highlighted the severe potential impact fentanyl can have on public health, even in minimal amounts. “Whether it’s one pound or 10 pounds, we are all aware of how many deaths could stem from that,” he stated. His appointment as Canada’s fentanyl czar was announced on Tuesday, as part of an effort to address the crisis more effectively.
The appointment aligned with recent comments from former President Donald Trump, who cited the fentanyl crisis and illegal immigration as crucial issues justifying a threat to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, except for energy, a move that has been temporarily delayed until at least March 4. Brosseau remarked on how vital Canada views the fentanyl epidemic, stressing the importance of cooperation with U.S. partners.
After visiting a Canada Border Services Agency facility in Lansdowne, Ontario, Brosseau expressed his intent to unify various law enforcement levels to tackle the issue more efficiently. “I hope to bring greater focus to our efforts. My mandate is straightforward: to foster collaboration and deliver tangible results,” he stated.
According to statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), they confiscated 19.5 kilograms (43 pounds) of fentanyl at the northern border last year, a stark contrast to the staggering 9,570 kilograms (21,098 pounds) seized at the southern border. Brosseau, who has over 20 years of experience with the RCMP — where he was a deputy commissioner and the senior officer in Manitoba — has also served as deputy national security and intelligence adviser under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He plans to connect with Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, and other officials to strengthen these vital collaborations.
Brosseau emphasized the significance of establishing strong relationships among law enforcement organizations. “Having worked in law enforcement for many years, I know we’re more effective when we cooperate,” he remarked. In addition to Brosseau’s appointment, Canada has pledged CDN$1.3 billion (approximately US$910 million) toward enhanced border security measures, which will include new technologies, helicopters, and additional personnel.
At the same event, Canada’s public safety minister, David McGuinty, addressed challenges posed by Trump’s administration. “There’s much at stake for both Canadians and Americans. It’s crucial we find a constructive path forward,” he noted, expressing belief that the administration recognizes this need.
McGuinty also responded to the former president’s suggestions that Canada might become the 51st U.S. state, firmly stating, “Canada is an independent and sovereign nation. This status is not up for debate.”
This report has been revised to clarify the U.S. dollar amount for Canada’s increased spending, which is $910 million, rather than the previously mentioned $91 million.
