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Trudeau calls meeting with opposition leaders about Canada-U.S. border plan

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Dec, 2024 11:09 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with opposition leaders in his office on Parliament Hill on Tuesday morning to brief them on the government's plan for the Canada-U.S. border.

Trudeau's office said he initiated the meeting after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened punitive tariffs if Canada doesn't do more to stem the passage of people and illegal drugs across the border.

Trudeau and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with Trump on Friday in Florida and promise swift action to address his concerns.

LeBlanc said the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency are providing a list of items that could enhance existing capabilities at the border, such as drones or helicopters equipped with infrared sensors and night vision.

Trudeau and LeBlanc were at the regular weekly cabinet meeting before Trudeau's session with the Conservative, NDP and Bloc Québécois leaders.

LeBlanc is also set to appear midday at the House of Commons public safety committee to discuss departmental spending, though he's likely to get questions on the issue of border security.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, LeBlanc said his department is mulling over expanding the CBSA's mandate to include border patrol between ports of entry. Right now, that responsibility falls on the RCMP.

But LeBlanc said such a move would require a legislative change.

"We’re 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," LeBlanc said.

Last week, LeBlanc said Canada is considering giving the RCMP and CBSA more resources including drones, helicopters and personnel in case of a "surge" of migration at the border.

The supplementary estimates on the official agenda for the committee include a new $8 million ask by the CBSA to combat vehicle theft in Canada, and $23 million for a project rebuilding land border crossings.

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