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Feb 7, 2025 5:27 PM - Connect Newsroom

Canada to Appoint Fentanyl Czar Amid Trade Talks with US

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the decision during last-minute negotiations with former US President Donald Trump on Monday, aimed at averting a trade war. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada will appoint a fentanyl czar before the March 4 deadline for the Trump administration’s tariff freeze, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty has confirmed.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the decision during last-minute negotiations with former US President Donald Trump on Monday, aimed at averting a trade war. Trump agreed to delay imposing tariffs on Canada, contingent on progress in border security measures.

In addition to appointing the fentanyl czar, Canada has committed $200 million to classify Mexican drug lords as terrorists and to create a joint Canada-US strike force targeting organized crime and money laundering.

McGuinty assured that the appointment will be finalized before the deadline. Sources suggest the government is considering current or former police officers for the role.

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