RCMP flying Black Hawk helicopter to strengthen Alberta-U.S. border patrols

Black Hawk helicopter patrols along Alberta's border with the United States began on Tuesday as part of an effort to address U.S. President Donald Trump's concerns about border security with Canada.

The RCMP says the helicopter patrols are monitoring the Prairie border to search for and target all illegal activity along the 49th parallel, including illegal border crossing, smuggling and drug trafficking in and out of the country.

Mounties say the Black Hawk's range and speed will help increase police response time to illegal activity along the border and can help direct Integrated Border Enforcement Team officers to any suspicious activity.

People in the area may hear and see the patrols on a regular basis, the RCMP says, adding they are part of normal police operations and are not indicative of any public safety concern.

The RCMP said in a Jan. 22 news release that it chartered two Black Hawk helicopters to bolster its fleet and strengthen border surveillance and response capabilities through two contracts totalling $5.3 million.

Smith calls for appointment of Canadian 'border czar'

The increase in security at the border comes in response to threats made by Trump of heavy tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the United States.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith thanked the federal government Wednesday for sending a Black Hawk helicopter to patrol the border.

She said in a news conference she believes the best way to avoid tariffs starts with shoring up security along the border between the two countries. 

"Is this likely to end the threat of tariffs entirely? I don't think so. I think there'll be other things that we will need to work on, and we will do so," Smith said. "But I am convinced after speaking with dozens of elected U.S. representatives, administration officials and the president himself, that this is the most important first step."

She also called for the federal government to appoint a "border czar" to work with U.S. border czar Tom Homan to crack down on fentanyl and migrants crossing the shared boundary.

She says it would help Canada's chances to avoid tariffs before their potential implementation on Saturday.

"I hope it is acted on by the end of this week before February 1st. That is why we also sent a Fox News crew to the Coutts border today to showcase the work Alberta has been doing to secure our border," she said.

"We are hopeful that these Fox News appearances display our province's and our nation's commitment."

Smith says if Ottawa does create a role, she'd like to see a retired army general appointed because a border czar would need to understand military operations and deployment practices.

Border communities unbothered by helicopter patrols

The reeves of both Cardston and Warner counties told CBC News they are fully in support of the premier's push to strengthen the border in an attempt to avoid tariffs.

Cardston County Reeve Randy Bullock says a few of his constituents have noticed the aircraft in the skies above the municipality, but he has not heard any negative reactions.

"The only thing that I saw was a post on Facebook. There was a post questioning, 'Hey, what's up with the helicopters that are flying in and around our municipality?'" he said. "But I don't think it really went much further than that."

Bullock says people in Cardston don't appear to be bothered by the patrols.

"I work outside every day and there's a lot of agricultural operators that are working outside. I mean, we see aircraft, but it doesn't faze us," he said.

The reeve added he understands the need for the helicopter border patrols and aligned with the premier's approach to maintaining a friendly relationship with the U.S. amid the looming tariff threats.

"We want to work with them and do whatever we can on our side of the border to help alleviate the common concerns of security," Bullock said. "Having a little extra surveillance in that area along the border, I mean, there's no harm in that."

Warner County Reeve Randy Taylor says that while he has received some reports of helicopters flying around the county, they haven't caused much disturbance for area residents.

"The reports I've heard from our ratepayers are that they are flying low and they are much noisier than a normal helicopter. So, if there's any livestock around, they're probably disturbing them, wildlife, for sure," he said. "But people understand what's going on, so I haven't heard any any negative comments yet."

Taylor added he's in full support of Premier Smith's plan and that border communities like his understand the part they have to play in helping that plan along.