Canada appoints fentanyl czar as part of promises to Trump

OTTAWA — Canada said Tuesday it had appointed a fentanyl czar, after promising US President Donald Trump it would boost efforts to combat flow of the drug across the border in exchange for a pause on tariff threats.

Canada has repeatedly asserted that less than one percent of fentanyl entering the United States comes through its border.

Trump has remained adamant, however, that Canada increase efforts against cross-border trafficking.

Last week he paused 25 percent levies against Canada for a month after Ottawa vowed to step up its efforts against fentanyl as well as undocumented migrants crossing into the United States.

READ: White House says Trump to impose Canada, Mexico, China tariffs

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Ottawa also maintains that fewer than one percent of such migrants enter the United States via its border.

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Canada’s new fentanyl czar, former senior police officer Kevin Brosseau, “will work closely with US counterparts and law enforcement agencies to accelerate Canada’s ongoing work to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.

Brosseau, who recently served as Trudeau’s deputy national security and intelligence advisor, has spent more than 20 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including as top cop in Manitoba.

READ: Trump halts Canada, Mexico tariffs after last-ditch talks

Canada has already announced a series of measures meant to strengthen its borders and collaborate with the United States.

Ottawa has pledged Can$1.3 billion (US$910 million) towards new Black Hawk helicopters, drones, mobile surveillance towers, and nearly 10,000 frontline personnel working on protecting the border.

US Customs and Border protection says it seized nearly 22,000 pounds of fentanyl in the 2024 fiscal year. Of that amount, 43 pounds were seized at the Canadian border.