Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed a new fentanyl tsar to help combat the growing concerns over fentanyl trafficking, while also navigating rising tensions with the U.S. over trade tariffs.

Kevin Brosseau, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and intelligence adviser to Trudeau, will assume the role immediately. His appointment is part of Canada’s broader effort to address trade and border issues with the United States.

Earlier in February, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, but the proposal was temporarily suspended for 30 days after a deal with Trudeau. This agreement included new border measures between the two countries.

However, on Monday, Trump introduced another tariff threat. He announced plans to impose a 25% tax on global steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on March 12. Canada, which is the largest supplier of these metals to the U.S., is expected to be heavily impacted by this move.

To address the issue, all 13 Canadian provincial and territorial leaders are meeting with U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C. this week to argue against the tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating: “Make no mistake about it, the president knows we’re here, knows we’re concerned.”

The ongoing tariff threats have sparked fears of a potential trade war with Canada, a key U.S. ally in trade and security. In response, Canada has promised quick retaliation if Trump’s tariff proposals are enacted.

In a press release about the fentanyl tsar appointment, Trudeau stated that Brosseau’s role would “accelerate Canada’s efforts to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade, in partnership with the United States.” While less than 1% of fentanyl intercepted at the U.S. border comes from Canada, Trudeau noted that “any amount of fentanyl is too much.”

Canada has also taken additional steps to combat international crime by deploying new Black Hawk helicopters, drones, and nearly 10,000 personnel to safeguard its 8,890 km (5,525 miles) of border. Furthermore, Canada is investing C$200 million (US$139 million) into a new intelligence initiative to strengthen border security.

Since returning to office, Trump has been involved in trade disputes with both Canada and Mexico. On February 4, he agreed to delay his threat of 25% tariffs on goods from these two countries, in exchange for their commitments to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S.

As the U.S. continues to focus on its trade relations with Canada and Mexico, it has also implemented a 10% tariff on goods imported from China, with China retaliating with its own countermeasures against U.S. products.