TORONTO — The potential for a significant influx of undocumented individuals seeking refuge in Canada due to President-elect Donald Trump’s mass deportation proposal has become a primary concern for the country, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. In light of this, Canada is preparing to address the situation as it anticipates changes in the migration landscape.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has revived a specialized Cabinet committee focusing on Canada-U.S. relations to tackle the implications of another Trump administration. Freeland, who leads this committee, emphasized that understanding the impact of Trump’s deportation strategies on Canada is a top priority for their discussions.
“It is important for Canadians to know that this is one of our two main areas of focus,” Freeland noted following the committee’s first meeting since Trump’s previous term. She underscored the importance of maintaining robust control over Canada’s borders, acknowledging that citizens have valid concerns regarding this topic.
While Freeland mentioned that Canada has formulated a plan to manage potential challenges, she did not disclose specific details on what measures would be implemented. Recently, she conferred with provincial leaders about the implications of increased migration and pointed out the purpose of including immigration and public safety ministers in the committee to address these pressing issues. The committee is scheduled to convene frequently, with another meeting expected soon.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has reported a rise in irregular border crossings from 2016 to 2023, partly attributed to actions from Trump’s first administration. Even though there has been a notable downward trend in irregular migration this year, authorities are preparing for various scenarios that might emerge from policy changes.
Trump has indicated intentions to establish “the largest mass deportation program in history,” suggesting the mobilization of the National Guard and enhanced authority for local police to facilitate enforcement.
Additionally, last year, Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden addressed a loophole in immigration agreements that previously permitted numerous asylum seekers to transfer between the U.S. and Canada via a less monitored route connecting New York to Quebec. This policy states that individuals who do not possess citizenship from either the U.S. or Canada and are apprehended within 14 days of crossing will be returned to their point of entry along the extensive border that spans over 3,145 miles (5,061 kilometers).