Manitoba Redirects Conservation Officers to Bolster U.S. Border Security

The province reallocates resources to address drug trafficking and unauthorized crossings, responding to tariff threats from President Trump.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced the redeployment of conservation officers to patrol the U.S. border, focusing on backcountry areas and secondary roads.
The move comes as President Trump threatens 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless border security is strengthened to combat drug trafficking and unauthorized migration.
Conservation officers will use snowmobiles, utility terrain vehicles, and helicopters to assist the RCMP and other agencies in monitoring illegal crossings and providing humanitarian aid.
The province has allocated $460,000 for RCMP overtime and $360,000 for the redeployment of conservation officers, while emphasizing alignment with Manitoba's humanitarian values.
Critics, including the opposition and the conservation officers' union, have raised concerns about understaffing, resource allocation, and the potential impact on wildlife management duties.