Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, February 14, 2017. Credit: Reuters
Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday defended plans to give more powers to US border agents stationed in Canada, saying travellers would at all times be protected by domestic laws.
As part of a 2015 deal between Canada and the US, Trudeau‘s government has introduced draft legislation allowing US border agents based in Canada more leeway to question and search people wishing to enter the US.
Critics say this increases the chance of abuse at a time when the administration of US President Donald Trump is cracking down on immigrants, prompting dozens of people to cross the border into Canada every week.
“Canadian laws are in place, so there is extra protection when Canadians go through US customs in Canada,” Trudeau told reporters.
US border agents have been working in Canada since the 1950s, pre-clearing would-be visitors and addressing potential security threats. The agents are currently based at eight Canadian airports and under the 2015 deal, the programme will be expanded to two more airports as well as Montreal train station.
Travellers who change their minds and decide not to enter the US are currently allowed to leave. The new law permits US agents to question and if need be strip search people seeking to enter the US.
Officials say the new tougher provisions are needed to deter militants probing for weaknesses at US-operated border facilities.
Trudeau is under pressure in parliament from the left-leaning opposition New Democrats, who say US border guards are already racially profiling Canadians who wish to enter the US.
“What will the government do to secure clear assurances for Canadians who wish to cross the border? When will the Prime Minister stand up for Canadians … will he stand up to the bully?” asked Jenny Kwan, the party’s spokeswoman for immigration, referring to Trump.