Alberta
51 new officers, 10 surveillance drones, and patrol dogs to help Alberta to secure southern border with US
A plan to secure Alberta’s southern border
Alberta’s government is taking immediate and decisive action to secure the Alberta-U.S. border from illegal drugs, migrants and firearms.
Alberta’s government is taking swift action that will curb illegal border activities and strengthen the nation’s border security. New measures will immediately crack down on illegal migrants and drug trafficking across the border.
“We cannot take concerns about border security lightly. By establishing this new team of sheriffs at our southern border, we are actively working to address security concerns and stop the criminals whose activities are destroying lives on both sides of the border.”
A new Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) within the Alberta Sheriffs will crack down on drug smuggling, gun trafficking and other illegal activities occurring along Alberta’s 298-kilometre international boundary. IPT will be supported by:
- 51 uniformed officers equipped with carbine rifles (weapons for tactical operations);
- 10 support staff, including dispatchers and analysts;
- four drug patrol dogs, critical to ensure reasonable suspicion to search vehicles;
- 10 cold weather surveillance drones that can operate in high winds with dedicated pilots; and
- four narcotics analyzers to test for illicit drugs.
This team will patrol to detect and intercept illicit drugs, illegal firearms and unlawful attempts at illegal international border crossing.
Alberta’s government will also create a two kilometre-deep critical border zone, deemed critical infrastructure, to enable the sheriffs to arrest individuals found attempting to cross the border illegally or attempting to traffic illegal drugs or weapons, without needing a warrant. This critical border zone will be created by amending regulations under the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act. This will not apply to people travelling legally along Alberta highways and roads.
“Alberta’s government is ramping up border enforcement. We have long recognized the need for additional capacity to patrol Alberta’s vulnerable international borders, where any amount of illegal activity is too much. I look forward to working with our partners in law enforcement and across government as we send a clear message to prospective offenders that criminal activity, such as fentanyl trafficking, will not be tolerated at our borders or anywhere else in our province.”
“Stemming illegal cross-border activities at the source prevents their spread to the rest of the province later on, and the Alberta Sheriffs are proud to step up and take on this important role.”
“Regardless of what uniform we wear, or what agency we represent, law enforcement from across the province will aggressively target drug dealers, disrupt the fentanyl trade and keep our communities safe.”
Firefighters receive a briefing ahead of their departure to California.
The state of California has been devastated by fast moving wildfires, which have already destroyed about 12,000 homes and buildings, and have tragically taken lives.
Alberta Wildfire received a request to assist California through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Alberta’s government is sending two fully equipped wildfire crews, including 40 wildland firefighters and two agency representatives. The teams departed Edmonton on Monday, Jan. 13 and are expected to arrive in California within the next few days.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in California who has been impacted due to the devastating fires. Good neighbours are always there for each other in times of need, and we will assist our American friends in any way they need during this crisis. We are sending 40 highly skilled and experienced wildland firefighters to assist in the response efforts. Alberta remains committed to providing support and expertise to help protect lives, property and communities.”
“In 2023, California firefighters bravely supported Alberta in a time of great need. Now, Alberta is answering the call and has stepped up to assist our neighbours. I have spoken directly to Cal Fire and to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to assure them that Alberta is prepared to support them in their ongoing efforts. Alberta has experience and expertise in battling wildfires, and we’re committed to supporting our friends and partners in the United States.”
California’s wildfire management agency will determine where the Alberta crews are deployed.
Additional Type 1 firefighters, Incident Command personnel, and qualified support staff are ready to go, if requested. Alberta Wildfire is also preparing water bombers, pilots, and contracted night vision helicopters to assist in California, if needed.
Quick fact
- During Alberta’s record-breaking wildfire season in 2023, 115 firefighters and support staff from California came to help Alberta’s wildfire response.
From Danielle Smith on X
Over the last 24 hours I had the opportunity to meet President @realdonaldtrump at Mar-a-Lago last night and at his golf club this morning. We had a friendly and constructive conversation during which I emphasized the mutual importance of the U.S. – Canadian energy relationship, and specifically, how hundreds of thousands of American jobs are supported by energy exports from Alberta.
I was also able to have similar discussions with several key allies of the incoming administration and was encouraged to hear their support for a strong energy and security relationship with Canada.
On behalf of Albertans, I will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy with the incoming administration and elected federal and state officials from both parties, and will do all I can to further Alberta’s and Canada’s interests.
The United States and Canada are both proud and independent nations with one of the most important security alliances on earth and the largest economic partnership in history. We need to preserve our independence while we grow this critical partnership for the benefit of Canadians and Americans for generations to come.
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