Federal Public Safety Minister David McGuinty, Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada Terry Duguid, and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew visited the Emerson Port of Entry on Feb. 4 to review recently enhanced border security measures.
Their visit follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s decision to pause a proposed 25 per cent import tariff on Canadian goods, a move Canadian officials hope will become permanent.
During their visit, the officials emphasized the importance of security at one of Canada’s busiest border crossings and outlined new investments aimed at further strengthening protections.
McGuinty addressed a slew of media from Canada and the U.S., underlining the significance of the Emerson crossing.
“We know this is one of the busiest ports along the Canada-U.S. border west of the Great Lakes,” he said. “It operates 24/7, serving as a vital link for tourism and trade between the prairies, the U.S., and Mexico. Over 50 border services officers work here, and their American counterparts are just as committed to ensuring security and smooth trade operations.”
He highlighted the economic stakes at the border, noting that nearly $3.6 billion worth of trade and approximately 400,000 people cross the Canada-U.S. border daily. He also stressed the critical role played by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers and law enforcement in patrolling and safeguarding these crossings. There are now nearly 10,000 frontline personnel working to protect the border.
Following discussions between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Trump, Canada announced significant security investments, including an additional $200 million to combat organized crime, the appointment of a “fentanyl czar,” and the classification of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations.
“The border is already strong,” McGuinty said. “But the investments we’re making are making it stronger. Our goal is to prevent tariffs from being imposed while ensuring the security of Canadians and Americans alike.”
He also acknowledged growing concerns among Canadians regarding the potential economic fallout from tariffs.
“We have constituents calling our offices, some in tears, worried about what might happen if tariffs go through. This is real for us, and we are making that very clear in Washington, D.C., and at the White House.”
Canada’s security strategy is part of a broader $1.3 billion border plan, McGuinty said.
“We have to keep moving forward as Team Canada, managing this relationship with our largest trading partner, our closest geographical neighbor, and our strongest ally.”
The premier echoed McGuinty’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
“The work you do here at the border is integral to strengthening our relationship with the United States,” Kinew said, addressing CBSA officers at the Emerson facility. “As the Province of Manitoba, we’re proud to step up and partner with law enforcement, conservation officers, and emergency measures organizations to support a strong and secure border.”
He highlighted the importance of continuous vigilance.
“We need 24/7 eyes on the border, and the only way to achieve that is by working together. The investments we’re making now not only strengthen our border but also protect Manitobans and all Canadians from threats like fentanyl and organized crime.”
During their visit, the officials observed a demonstration of the Designated Safe Examination Area (DSEA), a new initiative that allows CBSA officers to detect and handle fentanyl and other toxic substances more effectively.
They were also supposed to witness a demonstration of the Emerson crossing’s new Black Hawk helicopter, but an RCMP spokesperson said it was unavailable that day due to reasons “out of our control.”
The new federal money will also be used to purchase drones, mobile surveillance towers, more personnel and canine teams.
Minister Duguid provided key statistics highlighting the economic impact of the Emerson border crossing.
“Every day, 1,200 trucks pass through the Emerson port of entry, carrying $30 million worth of goods. That’s $14 billion annually in trade moving south and $17 billion coming in from the U.S.,” he explained. “We are at the heart of what we call the Mid-Continent Corridor, stretching from Churchill to Monterey, Mexico. This corridor fuels prosperity and employment, and many of our goods – from grain and livestock to energy products – move through it.”
Duguid acknowledged concerns over border security but emphasized that recent investments will help mitigate risks.
“We believe in our border, and we believe we can make it stronger. That’s why we take these issues so seriously, and that’s why this $1.3 billion plan is so critical.”
Throughout the visit, officials expressed gratitude for the individuals working on the front lines to keep the border safe.
“The work you do every day makes our country safer,” Kinew told CBSA officers. “It makes our First Nations communities, our towns, our cities, and our neighborhoods safer. It also makes us proud as Canadians and as neighbours to the U.S.”
He reiterated that security efforts must align with economic priorities.
“Let’s be clear: the reason we’re doing this is because it’s good for Manitobans. Manitobans want to see fentanyl taken off the streets. Manitobans want secure borders. If we can make these investments while also strengthening our relationship with the U.S. and helping our economy, then it’s all the better.”
As the visit concluded, officials reinforced their commitment to ongoing collaboration between Canadian and U.S. security agencies. McGuinty emphasized that Canada and the U.S. share the longest and most secure border in the world.
“Our objective yesterday was no tariffs. Today, no tariffs. Tomorrow, no tariffs,” McGuinty said. “We will continue to work closely with our American counterparts to uphold the 150-year legacy of security and cooperation between our countries.”
