Border security: François Legault still dissatisfied with the federal plan

After demanding a costed plan from the federal government for border security, the Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault, is now asking for “details on the concrete deployment of these measures” and a “timetable”. He also reiterates his request to tighten the granting of visas.

It is essential to remember that 80% of arrests linked to illegal crossings from Canada to the United States occur in the Swanton sector, mainly on the border with Quebec. The federal government needs to focus its efforts in this specific region, as well as Akwesasne, but to date few details have been released on the planned distribution of new resourceswrote François Legault in a message on the social network X on Wednesday.

The federal government presented its plan on Tuesday to secure the borders and hope to meet Donald Trump’s demands in order to avoid the implementation of customs tariffs.

Ottawa plans to spend $1.3 billion over six years to strengthen the detection and interception of fentanyl and deploy an aerial surveillance team with drones and helicopters. The federal government also wants more coordination and information sharing with the Americans.

Recall that the president-elect is threatening to impose tariffs of 25% on all products from Canada and Mexico unless both countries act to stop the influx ofillegal immigrants and fentanyl.

In his message, François Legault deplores thatno measures have yet been announced to tighten visa criteria to prevent people from entering Canada under false pretenses.

I would like to remind you that 60% of people arrested for illegal immigration in this sector are citizens of Indian nationality. This request was expressed unanimously during the Council of the Federation on Mondayadds the Prime Minister.

Differences of opinion between the provinces

The prime ministers of the provinces and territories met in Toronto on Sunday and Monday to discuss relations between Canada and the United States.

Despite the desire to present a united front against Donald Trump, the prime ministers have differences of opinion on how to respond to the president-elect’s threats.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is taking a hard line: he has proposed cutting off energy to the Americans.

François Legault is opposed to this idea and thinks that we should instead aim to reassure Donald Trump regarding immigrants who cross the border from Canada to the United States.

British Columbia and New Brunswick affirmed that the idea of ​​a tariff response to our southern neighbors should not be ruled out.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Sunday that it is absurd to think that the dispute with the United States can be resolved by imposing tariffs on American products that are imported into Canada.