Border security: François Legault still dissatisfied with the federal government's plan

Quebec Premier François Legault at a press conference in Quebec City on Dec. 6, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot)

After demanding a detailed plan for border security from the federal government, Premier François Legault is now asking for “details on the concrete deployment of these measures” and a “timetable.” He is also reiterating his call for visa restrictions.

“It is essential to remember that 80 per cent of arrests linked to illegal crossings from Canada to the United States occur in the Swanton sector, mainly on the border with Quebec,” Legault wrote on X on Wednesday.

“The federal government must concentrate its efforts in this specific region, as well as in Akwesasne, but to date, few details have been released on the planned distribution of the new resources.”

On Tuesday, the federal government presented its plan for securing the borders in the hope of meeting Donald Trump's demands and avoiding the introduction of tariffs.

Ottawa plans to spend $1.3 billion over six years to strengthen the detection and interception of fentanyl and to deploy an aerial surveillance team using drones and helicopters. The federal government also wants greater coordination and information sharing with the Americans.

The president-elect is threatening to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico unless the two countries act to stop the influx of “illegal immigrants” and fentanyl.

Tightening the granting of visas

In his message, Legault deplored the fact that “no measures have yet been announced to tighten visa criteria to prevent people from entering Canada under false pretences.”

“I would point out that 60 per cent of those arrested for illegal immigration in this sector are citizens of Indian nationality. This request was expressed unanimously at the Council of the Federation on Monday,” he added.

The premiers of the provinces and territories met in Toronto on Sunday and Monday to discuss relations between Canada and the United States.

Despite the desire to present a united front against Trump, the premiers have differences of opinion on how to respond to the president-elect's threats.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is taking a hard line: he has proposed cutting off energy to the Americans.

Legault is opposed to this idea and believes that we should instead aim to appease Trump about immigrants crossing the border from Canada into the United States.

British Columbia and New Brunswick have said that the idea of a tariff retaliation against our neighbours to the south should not be ruled out.

The Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, argued on Sunday that it is “absurd” to think that the dispute with the United States can be resolved by imposing tariffs on American products imported into Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Dec. 18, 2024.