Public Safety minister says RCMP service won’t be impacted by border patrols [Video]

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says small communities patrolled by local RCMP detachments won’t be negatively affected by a plan to heighten security at the U.S.-Canada border.

Beefing up border patrols will be part of the federal government’s response to a 25 per cent tariffs threat leveled by the incoming U.S. president.

Donald Trump says tariffs could begin as soon as he’s sworn in as Jan. 20, unless Canada (and Mexico) satisfy his concerns about drugs and migrants at the border.

More information about the Canadian government’s border security response is expected next week, but LeBlanc is acknowledging concerns that local RCMP services may be affected.

“We obviously understand the importance of small communities in relying on first class services from RCMP members,” says LeBlanc. “It’s true in my constituency, it’s true across the country.”

“It’s not the first time that the RCMP make contingency plans for a potential surge. …