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\n\t\t\t\tCanada to divert aluminum to Europe in response to Trump tariffs<\/span>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n
\u201cBut it is not a formal title and not a formal role and it usually does not have any formal powers. Some of these positions can be very ceremonial. But they can have significant power too,\u201d Sollenberger said.<\/p>\n
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\u201cCreating a czar title is a way for presidents to cut through bureaucratic tape. A lot of times they\u2019re muddying the water on what is expressly allowed in law and what\u2019s sort of a gray area,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
For example, while Homan is the U.S. pick for border czar, it\u2019s still unclear how much power he will have and what he will be able to accomplish.<\/p>\n
Whether he will be granted additional authority remains uncertain, Sollenberger said.<\/p>\n
Trudeau\u2019s decision to create a fentanyl czar in the wake of these threatened tariffs reflects \u201cgood diplomacy,\u201d Sollenberger said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis seems to be a step in that kind of direction to placate the American administration,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s still unclear how much power this position will hold or who will lead it, but Sollenberger remains skeptical about whether it will bring any real change at the policy level.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s more of a political solution, and I think it\u2019s probably a smart move. However, when titles like this are rolled out so quickly with little fanfare\u2014just nuggets of thoughts\u2014and are primarily responding to a political issue rather than addressing policy thoughtfully, it seems lacking,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1:52<\/time>Trump taps Tom Homan as border czar, Elise Stefanik as UN ambassador<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>
In an email to Global News on Tuesday, Stephen Schneider, a criminology professor at Saint Mary\u2019s University in Halifax said the role would likely be a position within the Canadian government responsible for overseeing and coordinating actions related to fentanyl, including policy and legislation.<\/p>\n
That role would not be able to overtake the authorities or responsibilities that are under the powers of ministers, however. The public safety minister is responsible for the CBSA and the RCMP, and for introducing and developing any legislation through the departments that support that ministry that cover any changes to those agencies.<\/p>\n
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Although this term is \u201cubiquitous in America,\u201d he said he believes it reflects the Trump administration\u2019s desire to exert greater influence over Canada\u2019s domestic fentanyl control efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe American proposal that Canada create the position of a fentanyl czar is still unclear,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u2013with files from the Canadian Press<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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