Canada Aims to Stop Fentanyl at US Border

Kevin Brosseau, formerly of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a national security adviser, has been tasked by the Canadian government with eliminating the flow of fentanyl into the United States. His appointment responds to US President Trump's pressure, which includes a threat of tariffs on Canadian goods except energy, paused until at least March 4. Brosseau emphasized a goal of zero fentanyl crossing and outlined plans to integrate law enforcement efforts, enhancing collaboration for better outcomes. "Getting the number to zero is a goal and should be our goal," the so-called fentanyl czar said.

Last year, US Customs and Border Protection seized 43 pounds of the drug at the northern border compared to over 21,000 pounds at the southwestern border. Brosseau plans to meet with US officials, including Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, to bolster cooperative efforts. "We're stronger together," Brosseau said about US-Canada relations. Concurrently, Canada's government announced CDN$1.3 billion ($91 million USD) in funding for border security improvements, including new equipment and personnel. Public Safety Minister David McGuinty addressed diplomatic challenges, affirming Canada's sovereignty amid continuing discussions with the US. "Canada is an independent and sovereign country," McGuinty said. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)