NDP MP says Liberal border security plan focuses on 'gadgets and gimmicks'

Two area MPs are weighing in on the federal government’s $1.3-billion border security plan, offering contrasting views on its priorities and effectiveness.

The five-pillar plan, outlined in the fall economic statement earlier this week, includes AI detection tools, drones, helicopters, and enhanced intelligence-sharing capabilities.

It also calls for hiring 100 to 150 additional personnel for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP.

For Windsor West NDP MP Brian Masse, the Liberal government’s approach falls short.

"I'm concerned about it because we're focusing on gadgets and gimmicks, as opposed to boots on the ground," Masse said, highlighting numbers provided by the union representing CBSA workers. "We’re short 2,000 to 3,000 CBSA officers. These are the men and women that do the real work at the border."

Masse also questioned the use of drones and helicopters in the plan, "What we do know is that the illegal activity is taking place on the ground, and we need the service of men and women that can actually do that type of checking and inspecting — but also keeping the vehicles moving."

He criticized the government for failing to consult union representatives before announcing the plan.

"They weren’t consulted at all," Masse said.

The announcement comes as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports unless stronger action is taken to curb illegal drugs and migrants crossing the border.

Trump has said the tariff would take effect on his first day in office.

Federal Liberals insist the $1.3-billion plan has been in development for months and is not a response to Trump’s threats.

Windsor-Tecumseh Liberal MP Irek Kusmierczyk defended the government’s approach, noting that discussions about tariffs and border security have been ongoing with U.S. allies for years.

"The message we’ve conveyed to our U.S. partners is clear: tariffs will only hurt workers and families on both sides of the border," Kusmierczyk said.

Speaking with CTV News near the construction site of Windsor’s NextStar Energy plant, Kusmierczyk dismissed calls from fellow MPs — and the Conservative opposition — for Justin Trudeau to resign as Prime Minister.

"I can tell you how hard he fought to get that battery plant here in Windsor. It’s the largest auto investment ever in the history of the country. No prime minister has delivered more," Kusmierczyk said.

He also voiced his support for the Liberals’ border security plan.

Other measures in the plan include enhanced tools for law enforcement, 24/7 aerial surveillance between ports of entry, and expanded intelligence-sharing with the U.S.

The $1.3-billion package will be rolled out over six years, though specifics on how the funds will be allocated remain unclear.

Kusmierczyk said he has spoken with new Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc about ensuring Windsor benefits from the funding, "That money is going to be coming here for this region as well."