Canada Prepares for Asylum-Seeker Surge

Canadian authorities, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), are preparing for a potential influx of asylum seekers from the U.S. following Donald Trump's election victory. The RCMP has developed contingency plans in anticipation of increased illegal crossings, particularly along the Quebec border, as many may attempt to evade detection due to stricter bilateral agreements. Historical precedents from Trump's first term saw thousands of asylum seekers enter Canada, and authorities are concerned about managing the current record levels of refugee applications while trying to limit immigration. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of being ready for various scenarios, citing lessons learned from past surges. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced criticism over Canada’s capacity to support new arrivals, leading to a reduction in immigration targets. The situation remains tense as the government balances its immigration policies with public sentiment and resource availability.