RCMP Boosts Canada-U.S. Border Staffing by 35%, Commissioner Reports
The RCMP has increased staffing at the Canada-U.S. border by 35% compared to three weeks ago, according to Commissioner Mike Duheme. This surge follows threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose significant tariffs if Canada does not strengthen border security.
Speaking on CTV’s Power Play, Duheme confirmed that the national police force has “temporarily” redeployed personnel from other areas to bolster border operations.
“There are always shifting priorities,” Duheme told host Vassy Kapelos. “As a law enforcement organization, we must remain flexible and redeploy resources as needed while minimizing the impact on our other operations.”
Trump escalated trade tensions on Saturday by signing an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, citing border security concerns. However, Canada was granted a 30-day reprieve following a call between Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday. During the conversation, Trudeau pledged to expand a $1.3-billion border protection plan first announced in December.
In an effort to address U.S. concerns, Trudeau appointed a “fentanyl czar” and stated on X that nearly 10,000 frontline personnel “are and will be working on protecting the border.” Duheme clarified that this figure includes both Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and RCMP staff, with additional support coming from provincial law enforcement agencies.
Despite these efforts, the RCMP continues to face recruitment and staffing shortages, particularly in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where vacancy rates are already high.
When asked if redeploying officers to the border could stretch resources and compromise public safety, Duheme assured that “public safety remains our number-one priority.”
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty echoed this confidence when questioned by CTV News on Thursday about whether the RCMP’s response was a reaction to Trump’s pressure.
“I have full confidence in the RCMP’s ability to manage both border security and their broader policing responsibilities,” McGuinty said. “I take Commissioner Duheme’s assurances at face value.”
