The federal government is gearing up for a possible rise in asylum seekers in Quebec, looking for office space to manage the situation.
Quebec: The federal government is getting ready for a potential wave of asylum seekers. With Donald Trump back in the spotlight, they’re looking to rent office space near the Canada-U.S. border.
Trump’s recent actions have raised concerns. He’s hinted at deporting many undocumented immigrants, and his executive orders signal a tough stance on immigration.
Canadian officials and advocates are on alert, anticipating more people might try to cross into Canada. They’re preparing for what could be a busy time ahead.
Public Services and Procurement Canada has put out a call for office space within 15 kilometers of the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border. They need a place that can handle a lot of people and has the right facilities.
The space should include areas for reception, meals, and waiting, accommodating between 50 to 200 individuals. It also needs to allow for bus access, which is crucial for transporting people.
Back in 2017, we saw a similar situation when many people crossed into Canada after Trump took office. Temporary centers were set up then, but those were taken down in 2023 after changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement.
Now, migrants can only claim asylum in the U.S. if they have family there or if they manage to stay under the radar for 14 days after crossing.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller reassured everyone that they’re ready for anything. He mentioned that they haven’t noticed an uptick in crossings yet, but they’re prepared for any scenario.
He emphasized that crossing irregularly isn’t the right way to seek asylum and that those who do will be turned away under the current agreement with the U.S.
Interestingly, the number of asylum claims in Canada has dropped recently. The Canada Border Services Agency reported a significant decrease in requests compared to last year.
The government is looking to secure this office space for a year starting in May 2025, with options to extend if needed. It’s all about being ready for whatever comes next.
