Tour of Quebec border crossing in Stanstead, demonstrating daily border security measures

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) invited media to tour its facilities on Thursday at the Highway 55 port of entry in Stanstead, Quebec — about 177 km south east of Montreal.

Demonstrating what is done daily to protect Canada’s border — this, as the U.S. previously indicated that implementing tariffs is in response to national security concerns, particularly related to illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S. 

“We need to adapt and collect duties and taxes since the tariffs,” said Miguel Bégin, Director, East Border District. “But our main goal is to secure the border, and make sure that our country is safe.”

From inspection garages — where they can access vehicles from below to conduct detailed examinations.

To a K-9 unit, and detection tools — like mobile x-rays — and other machinery.

Their specialized training and tools — allowing them to be on the lookout for drugs, firearms, and any other threats.

“We’ve been seizing firearms on a daily basis,” explained Bégin. “And we will continue to perform examination to make sure that we secure the border.”

Canada’s Border Plan is backed by an investment of $1.3 billion to bolster border security and strengthen its immigration system.

As part of the plan, the CBSA launched “Operation Blizzard,” a targeted, cross-country initiative aimed at intercepting illegal contraband arriving and leaving Canada, with a focus on fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics.

The CBSA noted that Canada is not a significant source of fentanyl entering the U.S. — saying that less than one per cent of fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from Canada, and less than one per cent of illegal crossings into the U.S. came from Canada.

“We’ve been working closely with the United States customs and border protections for a number of years,” said Bégin. “And we collaborate with them on a daily basis since always.”