The Trudeau government is considering allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to enhance security at the Canada-U.S. border in response to concerns raised by Donald Trump. This move aims to prevent his threat of imposing 25% tariffs. Sources told Radio-Canada that the total amount could exceed $1 billion. Although the plan is still in the works, various options will be presented to the federal cabinet soon.
At a press conference outside Ottawa on Monday, Treasury Board President Anita Anand confirmed that efforts to secure the border are ongoing. She highlighted that the government is investing “hundreds of millions of dollars” to ensure better security.
The Hill Times reported on Monday that the proposed border security plan could reach $1 billion.
Recently, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced plans to increase the number of officers at the border and invest in additional equipment, including drones and helicopters, to strengthen patrols.
Trump, in a Sunday NBC interview, reiterated his threat to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico unless they take stronger action to stop the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders. He emphasized his belief in the power of tariffs, saying, “I think tariffs are the most beautiful word… It’s going to make us rich.”
Radio-Canada also reported last week that the RCMP is preparing to purchase 17 new drones, with an option for at least 14 more. Two sources familiar with the situation told Radio-Canada that the government plans to announce the new border security measures before Christmas, just weeks before Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Two changes to immigration policy
The Trudeau government is reportedly planning to use the border funding as an opportunity to adjust its immigration policies. The aim is twofold: to ease tensions with U.S. customs officials and to prepare for a potential increase in migrant crossings from the U.S. if Trump moves forward with his plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
One potential change under consideration is closing a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S. Currently, individuals who cross illegally into Canada from the U.S. and remain undetected for 14 days are allowed to make asylum claims. The Trudeau government is considering granting itself the authority to return these individuals to their home countries without allowing them to seek asylum.
However, these migrants would still have a chance to avoid deportation by applying for a “pre-removal risk assessment” if they fear torture or cruel treatment in their country of origin. The Bloc Québécois has already called for the closure of this loophole.
Taking action against ‘flagpoling’
Additionally, Ottawa is looking to clamp down on the practice of ‘flagpoling,’ a method used by holders of student or work visas to quickly and easily renew their permits.
Flagpoling involves leaving Canada at a land border crossing without entering the U.S. and then asking Canadian customs officials to renew the visa upon re-entry. This method bypasses the more time-consuming online or paper application process. However, it has been a source of frustration for U.S. customs officials, who must manage the increased border traffic.
To ease the burden on American border officials, the Trudeau government is considering creating service points in major Canadian cities where visa holders can renew their permits in person, without having to leave the country.
It remains unclear which of the government’s proposals will require changes to the law. It is also uncertain whether the border security plan will be introduced as a standalone bill or included in the upcoming fall economic statement, set to be presented next Monday.
