With Donald Trump set to return to the White House in January, Canadian officials are preparing for potential impacts on Canada’s border and economy. Trump’s promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants from the U.S. could lead to a surge in people seeking asylum in Canada. The Canadian government has responded by assuring citizens that they have a “plan” in place to handle increased border security and control over who enters the country.
What Is Canada’s Plan for Border Control?
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the importance of Canada maintaining control over its own border. Speaking on Wednesday, she reassured Canadians that protecting border security and deciding who enters the country is fundamental.
“Canadians quite rightly believe that it needs to be a decision of Canada and Canadians who comes to our country,” Freeland said, adding that the government has a plan in place to ensure this control.
Potential Border Impacts of Trump’s Immigration Policies
Trump’s return to office could reignite fears for undocumented immigrants in the U.S., potentially triggering a surge of asylum seekers at Canada’s borders. A similar increase occurred during Trump’s first term when changes to U.S. immigration policies led many Haitians to seek refuge in Canada, particularly at Quebec’s Roxham Road border crossing. This spike prompted the Canadian government to expand the Safe Third Country Agreement, requiring most refugees entering from the U.S. to apply for asylum in the first country they arrive in.
Housing Minister Sean Fraser, previously Canada’s Immigration Minister, highlighted the government’s commitment to border integrity, saying they aim to balance an open trading relationship with the U.S. while maintaining a “strengthened border” for secure entry points.
Economic Concerns: Tariffs and Trade
Trump has proposed a 10% to 20% tariff on all foreign imports, excluding China, which he says will face even higher tariffs of at least 60%. This could have significant economic impacts for Canada, as such tariffs would likely affect Canadian exports to the U.S. While Freeland acknowledged Canada’s preparedness for these potential challenges, she also stressed the importance of maintaining the cooperative trade relationship established through agreements like CUSMA.
Freeland explained that Canada and the U.S. share similar labor and environmental standards and are both high-wage economies. This mutual alignment, she noted, has been foundational to the strong Canada-U.S. relationship.
What Lies Ahead for Canada-U.S. Relations?
Quebec Premier François Legault warned that Trump’s policies could bring economic “turbulence” to the province. Economist Jimmy Jean from Desjardins also suggested that Trump’s second term could be more disruptive than what Canada would have seen under a Kamala Harris administration, potentially leading to a recession in Canada.
While Canadian officials are prepared, the return of a Trump administration is expected to test the strength and flexibility of Canada’s immigration and trade policies. Whether through reinforced border measures or economic planning, Canada appears ready to navigate the challenges ahead.
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