Kevin Brosseau, a former RCMP deputy commissioner, was named Canada’s "fentanyl czar" on Tuesday.
Brosseau, who has over two decades of service with the RCMP, including as deputy commissioner and commanding officer in Manitoba, is versed in tackling drug trafficking and organized crime.
However, his most recent job was as deputy national security and intelligence adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
It isn't known if Brosseau's appointment will affect Canada-U.S. relations — or be effective — as Trudeau, and his advisers, are said to have presided over declining border security.
Canada is on the cusp of a trade war with the U.S. over President Donald Trump's accusations of poor security at the Canada-U.S. border. He said that too many migrants and drugs are passing from Canada into the U.S.
To delay tariffs on Canadian goods — and as a sign of good will — Canada promised to install a fentanyl czar to remedy border problems. Despite that, Trump advanced a 25% tariff on Canadian aluminium and steel.
Analysts say he may follow through on 25% tariffs against all Canadian goods entering the U.S. Canada has promised to spend $1.3 billion over next six years to shore-up border security.
A number of Black Hawk helicopters have been deployed by the RCMP to patrol the Canada-U.S. border. Trump says he is still interested in making Canada the fifty-first U.S. State regardless of security efforts and trade negotiations.
In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith took action along the southern border with Montana — deploying a significant sheriff force to intercept migrants and drugs. One Black Hawk helicopter is helping Alberta's effort.