Officials warned Canada-U.S. refugee pact could exacerbate smuggling, dangerous crossings: memo

A newly released memo shows federal officials warned the government that expanding a cross-border pact could lead to intensified smuggling and more dangerous crossings. Officials feared the development would also strain RCMP resources as irregular migrants dispersed more widely across the border.

Officials warned Canada-U.S. refugee pact could exacerbate smuggling, dangerous crossings: memo
Workers remove current warning signs at the irregular border at Roxham Road from New York into Canada on Friday, March 24, 2023.

A newly released memo shows federal officials warned the government that expanding a cross-border pact could lead to intensified smuggling and more dangerous crossings. Officials feared the development would also strain RCMP resources as irregular migrants dispersed more widely across the border.