Public Safety Minster Dominic LeBlanc said he listened to suggestions on patrolling US border crossings, but ultimately it’s not a priority. The safety minister’s dismissal of enhanced border security follows President-elect Donald Trump’s recent announcement he plans to impose a 25% tariff threat against Canada and Mexico as an executive order on his first day in office, on account of illegal drugs and immigrants flooding into the US on account of its neighbours’ unsecured borders. LeBlanc has promised to supply the RCMP with extra drones and helicopters to mitigate the border crisis, but he was not keen on deploying the federal border service to cover the gaps between entry points along the nearly 9,000-km Canada-US border..CBSA's contraband monitoring program criticized for ineffectiveness and data issues.The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) union petitioned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government to allow the agency to patrol the entire border, rather than just official entry points, according to the National Post.Allowing CBSA to assist the RCMP “seems like an obvious part of this solution to the problem,” said the national president of the customs and immigration union representing border services officers, Mark Weber.Weber called for a repeal of an “outdated” order from 1932 to that states border security between entry points is RCMP jurisdiction.“The situation is so silly now that if our officers are sitting at one of their workplaces and they see someone crossing just off to where the port is, we have to call the RCMP,” said Weber, adding he does not mean the CBSA replace the RCMP, but work in tandem.“It’s frustrating for members.”Weber also addressed the issue of CBSA staff shortages, which is currently lacking about 3,000 people..Freeland, LeBlanc insist Canada’s border is secure, despite Trump’s allegations and 25% tariffs .LeBlanc on Monday told reporters the Trudeau Liberals have “taken note” of the suggestion.He has “discussed (it) with the commissioner of the RCMP,” but no decision has been made, he said. LeBlanc defended the RCMP’s handling of border security, and its long-standing relationships with international counterparts, including the FBI.“If we were to undertake a big machinery (of) government change, that may require legislation in the room behind me,” said LeBlanc.“I’m not sure it would speak to the urgency of the matter.”“(The government) is always looking at good ideas and we’re not dismissing this one — but it’s not a priority for us in terms of arriving at the conclusion we want.”.'YOU COULD BE GOVERNOR!': Trump tells Trudeau Canada could be the 51st state.As the Liberals weigh their “priorities” in meeting Trump’s border security demands, Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the government present a parliamentary plan of action.This “plan” must detail measures the Liberals intend to take, including border patrol, using various forms of technology to confront Canada’s drug trafficking crisis and stricter visa policies, as well as tightening visa rules and working with provincial law enforcement, said Poilievre at a press conference Sunday.. “The reality is that Trudeau has lost control of the deficit, of immigration and of our border,” said Poilievre.“In less than two months, President Trump will come into office. He's threatened the possibility of imposing tariffs unless there is action to address Trudeau's broken border.”"(The Conservatives) will make accommodations (despite parliament’s gridlock) to quickly pass a border plan if it goes towards fixing Trudeau's broken border."Poilievre added Ottawa needs to impose a cap on the overwhelming influx of asylum seekers entering Canada every year..Legault wants a 'seat at table' to discuss Trump's tariffs, admits Roxham Rd. problematic .According to the CBC, there are a staggering 250,000 refugee claims backlogged as of September 30. More than 33,000 claims were approved between January and September 2024, the more recent data available.In 2023, the Trudeau Liberals accepted 37,000 refugee claims. In 2022, the total number of approved refugee claims was 28,000."I love real refugees," said Poilievre."Our country was built in large part by real refugees who were genuinely fleeing danger, like my wife. But I have no time for people who lie to come into our country, and that is the problem we have to cut off."
