In a move similar to the one by the Canadian PM, Trump appointed Tom Homan as ‘The Border Czar’ last November
Amid an ongoing trade war with the United States, Canada is set to appoint a so-called “fentanyl czar” in an effort to mitigate an escalating situation between the two countries.
The issue stems from an announcement by American President Donald Trump in November that he would impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian products imported into the United States. He cited illegal immigrants and drugs as main reasons to bulk up border security in a post on social media platform Truth Social.
“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before,” he said.
“I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 per cent tariff on all products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous open borders. This tariff will remain in effect until such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”
What are tariffs? Trump demands Canada, Mexico stop U.S. ‘invasion’ or ‘pay a very big price’
“Canada and the United States agreed to delay the imposition of our respective tariffs on imported goods,” the department of finance said on Monday, in an update on its news release. The pause will be in effect for “at least 30 days,” said Trudeau in a post on X.
What did Trudeau say after his call with Trump about U.S. tariffs?
“Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,” wrote Trudeau.
“In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.”
What is a ‘fentanyl czar’?
There has been no official description of the new role of “fentanyl czar” other than what Trudeau has explained in his post on X. Trudeau also announced $200 million that would go toward another new position, that of intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl.
The office of the prime minister did not immediately respond to the National Post’s request for comment about the roles.
“I’ve known Tom for a long time, and there is nobody better at policing and controlling our Borders. Likewise, Tom Homan will be in charge of all Deportation of Illegal Aliens back to their Country of Origin. Congratulations to Tom. I have no doubt he will do a fantastic, and long awaited for, job,” said Trump.
Homan met with Canadian officials in Washington, D.C. last week.
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.