Ford’s strategy is designed to help head off potential U.S. tariffs. Pictured: Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Photo Credit: Doug Ford/X.
Preparations were well underway throughout all levels of the Canadian government as United States President Donald Trump was inaugurated on Monday, Jan. 20. The new President has threatened punishing tariffs on neighbouring countries, including Canada, until he determines that adequate corrective measures have been taken to address what he has deemed to be critical national security issues.
One of Trump’s biggest concerns with Canada, specifically, is border security. He has long argued that illegal entry from Canada into the United States and narcotics being transported across the border pose a threat to American citizens.
Niagara, with its four Canadian-American border crossings, is on the front line of disputes regarding North American trade policy and border security. With this reality in mind, the region is a location of great importance as Ontario Premier Doug Ford seeks to form a wider consensus to realize his Fortress Am-Can vision for border security.
“Ontario is sending a strong signal to our American neighbours that our province takes border protection and security seriously,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Niagara West MPP and Associate Minister of Energy and Electrification. “As a key component of Fortress Am-Can, this plan to safeguard our shared international boundary with the United States is especially important for a border community like Niagara with multiple points of entry.”
“Part of this strategy includes the deployment of an emergency response team of 200 frontline officers with the Ontario Provincial Police that have been and will continue to be engaged in enhancing border security by land, air and water,” Oosterhoff told The Niagara Independent.
An innovative realm that Ford has identified as a target for bilateral security collaboration between Canada and the United States is Artificial Intelligence (AI). A.I. tools are increasingly being utilized to enhance security frameworks in both countries, as it has become known as one of the most rapidly growing industries of this generation.
“Protecting the safety and security of our borders with reinforced tools and technology is essential to building Fortress Am-Can,” shared Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
The City of Toronto, which is the largest artificial intelligence hub in Canada, is connected to the Niagara Region through the GO-Transit System, which allows Niagara’s pool of tech talent to compete for high-quality jobs in this burgeoning field.
“Building Fortress Am-Can is our government’s plan for a renewed strategic alliance between America and Canada and demonstrates our responsibility as an essential ally dedicated to protecting our land, air and water,” said Ford. “In an increasingly unstable world, Fortress Am-Can can protect integrated supply chains, ensure our economic stability and growth, and detect and prevent any threat to our two nations.”
Now that Trump has officially taken office, Niagara’s elected officials, business leaders, and residents will be watching closely to see whether the incoming President will follow through on his tariff pledge, and what economic challenges lie ahead for our region, province and nation.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
