While Canada-U.S. ties fray, co-operation is essential in fight against gun smuggling

In an era when Donald Trump is steering the United States into an increasingly hostile brand of isolationism, one of the most important agencies in Canada’s fight against gun smuggling remains, in fact, 100 per cent American.Between 2017 and 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives traced more than 35,000 guns at the request of Canadian police forces, and has helped break up gun smuggling networks that stretch from Texas to the northern border. Law enforcement in both countries say sharing information on gun purchasing records remains critical, even as our political leaders seek less collaboration.