Trudeau cabinet meeting this week to talk US-asylum seekers
Posted March 6, 2017 10:29 am.
Last Updated March 6, 2017 5:16 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – The official federal opposition is weighing in as the Trudeau cabinet will meet this week to discuss how to deal with the rising number of asylum seekers illegally crossing into Canada from the US.
Much of the talk is around a safe third country agreement, which would normally prevent people from claiming asylum in Canada if they arrive from the US, but it has several exceptions, including one for those who cross illegally.
Conservative Public Safety Critic Tony Clement wants a joint Canada-US strategy to tighten rules and prevent people from entering our country through what he refers to as ‘loopholes.’ “I think it’s up to us to work with our American counterparts to disrupt that kind of activity, to maintain the integrity of the border and to maintain our laws, obviously.”
The NDP, on the other hand, wants to end the agreement so people can safely cross and claim asylum at official crossings.
NDP MP Jenny Kwan wants Ottawa to stand up to US President Donald Trump and suspend the current agreement. “So that there can be order at border communities, so people don’t have to risk life and limb to get to safety. I would much rather they do this through the front door, rather than through the back door.”
There is pressure for cabinet to act soon amid reports suggesting the US secretary of Homeland Security will visit Canada later this week to discuss the matter with ministers.
So far this year, the RCMP says it has caught about 430 people who have illegally entered Canada in BC, Manitoba and Quebec.
