Premier Doug Ford has introduced Ontario’s comprehensive plan to bolster security at the Canada-U.S. border, spanning land, water, and air as the inauguration of President Donald Trump approaches – and with it tariffs. He has proposed a comprehensive strategy to bolster Fortress Am-Can and position Canada as a reliable defense partner. Key recommendations include meeting NATO’s 2% defense spending target, investing in NORAD operations, and enhancing innovation in AI for autonomous combat systems.
Ford says cooperation is a cornerstone of the plan.
Ford said America is heading into a new era, and Canada can be there to help.
While Ford says he is willing to do what is needed on a Provincial level, the province emphasizes the need for the federal government to take concrete action to secure the borders effectively.
Ford said it’s time the relationship between Canada and the US to move forward, and not linger on issues between the two countries.
To build Fortress Am-Can and ensure Canada is seen as a reliable partner ready to protect Am-Can land, air and water, Ontario recommends the following:
Present a credible and accelerated plan to meet and exceed Canada’s two per cent NATO target for defense spending, including investing in the future success of NORAD operations and NORAD base restoration.
Invest in Canada’s unique strategic capabilities and competencies, including Ontario’s critical mass of innovation in artificial intelligence to support the future of autonomous combat aerial and underwater vehicles for both military and border security and detection purposes.
Expanding Canada’s shipbuilding capacity to build new ice breakers and other equipment and assets, including increasing capacity at Ontario-based shipbuilding facilities, to protect Canada’s Arctic and meet other security objectives.
Work with the U.S. to capture new and catalyzing investments that support accelerated access to urgently needed strategic and critical minerals to qualify as part of Canada’s NATO contributions.
Secure Am-Can borders and key economic and trade corridors, including the St. Lawrence Seaway, Windsor-Detroit Gateway and the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2025.
Stem the cross-border flow of illegal guns, contraband tobacco and illegal drugs like fentanyl. This should include increased permanent funding for increased oversight and support at the border and enhanced tools for law enforcement, as well as investments to expand cross-border coordination and operations between American and Canadian security and policing agencies.
Enhance tracking and tracing of illicit drugs by investing in new laboratory technology that will allow Canada to identify where fentanyl and other drugs seized by police services are manufactured for enhanced tracking and tracing.
Allow for enhanced data and intelligence sharing between federal, provincial, territorial and local police forces to promote better coordination.
Lower thresholds for Am-Can intelligence sharing on the cross-border movements of convicted sex offenders.
Crack down on illegal immigration, which threatens shared Am-Can national security, and invest in enhanced biometrics capabilities at Canada’s points of entry, including better tracking of entries and exits across Canada’s borders.
Further promote joint training, operations and scenario-planning between American and Canadian armed forces, particularly in the Arctic, including by expanding Canada’s advanced fighter pilot training resources.
(Written by: Matt Leblanc)