Conservative Leader Pressures Trudeau for Border Security Action as Trump Signals Tough Stance
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for immediate federal action to strengthen border security and address Canada’s asylum seeker policies as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian imports.
At a Sunday news conference, Poilievre urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to present a comprehensive border security plan to Parliament. The plan, he argued, should bolster patrols, utilize advanced technology to combat illegal drug trafficking, tighten visa regulations, and involve provincial law enforcement in the effort.
“The reality is that Trudeau has lost control of the deficit, immigration, and our border,” Poilievre said. “President Trump is poised to take office and has threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian imports unless Canada addresses what he calls a ‘broken border.’ We cannot allow Trudeau’s inaction to jeopardize our economy or our safety.”
Push for Asylum Caps
Poilievre also proposed capping the number of asylum seekers entering Canada, citing an influx in refugee claims that has overwhelmed the system.
“Our country was built in large part by real refugees genuinely fleeing danger,” Poilievre said, referencing his wife’s refugee background. “But we must address those who exploit the system by lying to gain entry. This is a problem that needs to be cut off at its root.”
As of September 30, 2024, Canada had nearly 250,000 pending refugee claims, with more than 33,000 approved this year alone. Comparatively, Canada accepted 37,000 claims in 2023 and 28,000 in 2022.
Trump has stated he will impose steep tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico unless both nations stem illegal border crossings and the trafficking of illicit drugs like fentanyl into the U.S.
On Friday, Trudeau met with Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate, a dinner described by the president-elect as “very productive.” According to sources, the two leaders discussed topics ranging from trade and border security to Ukraine and NATO.
Poilievre’s remarks prompted criticism from NDP Public Safety Critic Alistair MacGregor, who pointed to cuts made to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) under former Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“The Conservatives fired 1,100 border officers in 2012, allowing toxic drugs and illegal guns to flow into Canada,” MacGregor said in a statement. “Cuts like those make us all less safe.”
Poilievre urged the Liberal government to act swiftly, offering Conservative support to expedite legislation for a robust border plan.
With Trump’s inauguration set for January 20, Poilievre emphasized the urgency of taking decisive measures to secure Canada’s border and maintain economic stability amidst U.S. tariff threats.