Canada on 'high alert' bracing for migrants fleeing US

Canadian authorities are on high alert and increasing border security in anticipation of a potential surge in migrants from the United States due to the upcoming presidential election.

Sergeant Charles Poirier, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokesman, told news agency AFP, "We're on high alert. All of our eyes are looking at the border to see what's going to happen... because we know that Trump's stance on immigration might drive up illegal and irregular migration to Canada."

This follows a previous period during former President Donald Trump's first term (2017-2021) when a significant number of migrants, including Haitians who lost US protections, sought refuge in Canada.


Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland convened a meeting with ministers to address potential challenges stemming from the US election. She assured Canadians that the government has a plan to manage a possible increase in migrant arrivals, emphasizing border security and control.

This comes at a time when Canada is reducing its own immigration targets to manage population growth and strengthen infrastructure and social services.

Following the recent US election, online searches related to moving to Canada saw a considerable rise, particularly inquiries about immigration processes.

The RCMP emphasized the dangers of illegally crossing the border, especially as winter approaches, citing past instances of frostbite, hypothermia, and even fatalities.

Authorities plan to increase border patrol presence and utilize technology like cameras, sensors, and drones to monitor the situation. Information sharing between Canada and the US is also ongoing.

Despite these preparations, authorities acknowledge that managing a sudden influx of thousands of migrants across multiple border points could pose a significant challenge.

With inputs from AFP