Trump tariffs: Kinew floats idea of dedicated RCMP deployment at Manitoba border

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is calling on Ottawa for increased funding for the RCMP in the province, and law enforcement as a whole.

It follows an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and various other premiers across the country in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

Trump has vowed to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports once elected – until those countries secure their borders.

“We have a responsibility to respond,” Kinew said.

During the meeting, Kinew discussed cracking down on drug trafficking to make Manitoba communities safer, while aligning with U.S. concerns.

The Manitoba premier is pushing for stronger support for the agriculture sector; called for a clearer strategy on trade with China; and urged Canada to meet its two per cent military spending target, highlighting the benefits for Manitoba’s aerospace industry, military bases, and Armed Forces personnel.

“What’s the downside if we invest in law enforcement and crack down on drug trafficking here, when that message might be well received in the States? At the same time we’re going to make communities safer here in Manitoba,” Kinew said.

The Manitoba NDP leader confirmed the federal government plans to increase RCMP funding, with discussions underway about their potential role in border security. He suggested a dedicated RCMP deployment at the southern Manitoba border.

“The special deployment I’m talking about here is that you have the existing RCMP resources preserved to police the communities, they are already present, and we’re talking about new resources.”

Kinew says additional meetings will be taking place as Trump’s inauguration approaches, including a future trip to Washington, D.C.