Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said negotiations were progressing with the United States to amend the Safe Third Country Agreement, which is in the midst of irregular crossing of the Canada-US border via Roxham Road. But he argues that the simple “closure” of this unofficial entry point will do nothing to stop the influx of migrants.
If we close Roxham Road, people will go elsewhere. We have a big boundary that we won’t start arming or putting up fenceshe said at a press briefing on Thursday.
The other day, the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, urged Mr. Trudeau to close this temporary passage located in Montérégie.
The latter confirmed, on Thursday on the sideline of a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Latvia, that the interception of irregular migrants on Roxham Road allows Canadian authorities to conduct security checks and make sure they don’t get lost and illegal within Canada.
A few months ago Canada renegotiated the Safe Third Country Agreement, which has bound it to the United States since 2004. This agreement ensures that a potential refugee arrives at an official Canadian border crossing and first walks on American soil can be returned, as he must pursue his asylum application first safe place where he came from.
Thus, people who still wish to seek asylum in Canada cross the Canada-US border by temporary crossing, such as Roxham Road in Montérégie. Once they are in Canada, their refugee claim can be processed.
A delicate issue for Americans
Asked about the case on Thursday, Mr. Trudeau that Canada cannot waive its international obligations regarding refugees and the right to asylum overnight.
I understand that this involves a lot of people and this leads to some controversy for some political parties, but the truth is we are a country where we follow the rules and where the people who come here to by making statements asylum claimants have the right to inspect their fileplease the Prime Minister.
Discussions in the United States to review the Secure Agreement with the Third Country is progressing wellhe said, but he recognized with the same breath that the subject was delicate for Americans.
The United States operates two different borders and their concerns about a decision they might make would have different consequences regarding Canada than Mexico.explained Mr. Trudeau.
According to him, the United States is looking for a form ofequivalence or a reasonable approach for their entire territory.
Source: Radio-Canada
