Windsor could get a helicopter to clamp down on border: Premier Ford

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is seen following a news conference at Queen's Park Legislature in Toronto on Thursday December 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

A lot of chatter in Queen's Park today concerning relations between Canada and the United States – from border security to fighting tariffs with more tariffs.

Premier Doug Ford has stated that border security is a priority for the province, discussing one big investment he wants to make for local law enforcement in Windsor: a helicopter.

This comes about five months after the province announced it would spend $134 million to buy five new helicopters for use in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa. Now, it seems more may be purchased, with one earmarked for Windsor police.

"I did ask our solicitor general yesterday to go out and start procurement for our Southwestern border,” said Ford. “Between Hamilton and Niagara, they’ll get a helicopter, and for Windsor and the police down there, they are going to need a helicopter as well."

Canada and the US have the world’s longest undefended international border, with a large share of those crossings happening in Windsor.

Mayor Drew Dilkens referred to the border as a series of “fortified gates with no fence.” He said the community would benefit from strengthened security on the marine front.

While the Premier said the helicopter would be for police, Dilkens believes it would benefit border officials like the RCMP and CBSA.

"I think we need more support... we would appreciate more support. Premier, I appreciate what you are talking about with air support because it’s a large space, and you need that type of investment, that type of technology in the air to help support the border side," said Dilkens.