A Warning Ignored: Canada’s Border Security Report

In early 2024, an internal Canadian government report sounded the alarm on a growing trend of negative rhetoric surrounding the security of the Canada-U.S. border. The report, authored by a diplomat at Canada’s embassy in Washington, warned that if left unchecked, this rhetoric could lead to a “thickening” of the 49th parallel, a metaphor for increased security measures that could severely impact trade and travel between the two nations. The report’s release, made public through the Access to Information Act, comes at a critical time as the U.S., under the Trump administration, threatens Canada with sweeping tariffs. These threats are rooted in concerns over the southbound flow of migrants and illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl. In response, Canada has announced a $1.3-billion plan to enhance border security and monitoring, with an additional $200 million allocated to target organized crime. The report underscores the importance of addressing these concerns head-on, as the consequences of inaction could be far-reaching.

Political Tensions and the U.S. Election Landscape

The report was prepared against the backdrop of the U.S. presidential race, where issues like irregular migration and the flow of fentanyl from Canada became hot-button topics. The diplomat noted that while there were some truths to the concerns being raised, they were largely misrepresented and sensationalized for political gain. The report highlighted that in the past year, members of Congress, primarily Republicans, had mentioned the northern border in a negative light nearly 1,000 times. This surge in negative rhetoric was particularly evident after the November 2022 midterm elections, with right-wing lawmakers amplifying the narrative of a “northern border crisis.” The report also pointed out that the rhetoric did not reflect the reality of the situation, which is characterized by strong cooperation between the two nations at all levels. Despite this, the report cautioned that the implications of such rhetoric could be significant, potentially leading to increased security measures that could harm the smooth functioning of the border.

Debunking the Myth of a Northern Border Crisis

The report meticulously debunked the notion of a northern border crisis, emphasizing that the facts were often taken out of context. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported an increase in apprehensions and encounters along the northern border in 2022, this increase was largely due to the resumption of cross-border travel following the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also highlighted that the number of irregular entries at the northern border represented a small fraction of the total irregular entries into the U.S. Moreover, the fentanyl intercepted from Canada accounted for less than one percent of the total fentanyl seized by U.S. authorities, and it was noted that fentanyl was also entering Canada from the U.S. The report stressed that the Canada-U.S. border is one of the safest and best-managed in the world, with Canadian and U.S. agencies collaborating closely to ensure security. The report also noted that when people or drugs are encountered at the border, it is often a sign that security measures are working as intended.

Canada’s Response: Strengthening Border Security

In December, Canada announced a $1.3-billion plan to improve security and monitoring of the border, which included the deployment of new drones and helicopters. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau later expanded this initiative by an additional $200 million, focusing on targeting organized crime. These measures demonstrate Canada’s proactive approach to addressing concerns raised by the U.S. The report, however, emphasized the importance of not only taking action but also of communicating effectively about the safety and security of the border. The report stressed that Canadian officials should actively counter misinformation and promote the reality of the border’s effectiveness at every opportunity. This includes engaging with U.S. lawmakers, media, and border communities to maintain trust in the border’s security and efficiency.

The Bigger Picture: Trade, Travel, and Diplomacy

The report also highlighted the broader implications of the negative rhetoric. While the construction of a northern border wall was deemed unlikely, the report warned that heightened rhetoric could lead to policies that restrict cross-border movement. Such measures could have a negative impact on trade and travel, which are vital to both economies. The report drew parallels to the post-9/11 era, when increased security measures led to a thickening of the border, causing delays and disruptions to cross-border commerce. The report stressed that Canada must be vigilant in protecting the trust that businesses and travelers have in the border. This includes not only strengthening security measures but also engaging in diplomatic efforts to address concerns and promote the facts about the border’s safety and efficiency.

A Call to Action for Canada

In conclusion, the report serves as a call to action for Canada to take a proactive and multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges posed by negative rhetoric about the northern border. This includes continuing to strengthen security measures, engaging in diplomacy to counter misinformation, and promoting the reality of the border’s safety and effectiveness. The report emphasizes that while the rhetoric may be exaggerated, it has the potential to lead to real consequences if left unchallenged. By taking these steps, Canada can help to ensure that the Canada-U.S. border remains a symbol of cooperation and efficiency, rather than a source of division and tension. The stakes are high, but with a combination of action and advocacy, Canada can protect its interests and maintain the trust of businesses and travelers on both sides of the border.