The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has announced the addition of two new Black Hawk helicopters to its fleet, as reported by The Canadian Press on January 30, 2025. This strategic enhancement comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Canadian exports. The tariffs have been linked to Canada's alleged failure to adequately address the illegal flow of people and drugs across the Canada-U.S. border.
The RCMP's decision to charter the Black Hawks aims to fortify their existing fleet of nine smaller helicopters, thereby improving their capability to patrol the extensive border area. These advanced helicopters are expected to enable faster interventions during potential spikes in border crossings, enhancing overall security measures.
Sgt. Charles Poirier of the RCMP seeks to assure Quebec residents near the border, as well as the U.S. administration, that the situation remains under control. Sgt. Poirier emphasized that there is no migration "crisis," aiming to calm any concerns regarding border security.
The RCMP has been intensifying its security efforts along the U.S. border since President Trump's election victory. Ottawa has committed $1.3 billion towards strengthening border security initiatives. This includes deploying 60 new drones and constructing additional surveillance towers along the border to enhance monitoring capabilities.
In a public demonstration of these new security measures, the RCMP showcased a Black Hawk helicopter in St-Antoine-Abbé, Quebec. This display highlighted the police force's commitment to tightening security at the border while reassuring stakeholders of their preparedness.
