The framework agreement provides for the opportunity for air officers or air observers to be cross-designated. I think the important element to understand about this aerial support—and it is only support, since they are not involved in direct law enforcement—is that they essentially become the eye in the sky for the vessels that are on the water.
If you look at certain areas along the border, there are a number of small islands where suspects could easily hide and fall out of the line of sight of a vessel working on the water. Having aerial support would provide the opportunity for the air observer to direct officers to wherever the suspect has fled.
Another important element is that any operation conducted in Canada must be under the direction of a Canadian officer and consistent with a constitutional framework in Canada as well as with the legal requirements in Canada.