Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller agrees “tough conversations” are ahead with the United States after Tom Homan, appointed by US president-elect Donald Trump as the new border czar, labeled the Canada-US border an “extreme national security vulnerability.”

Miller agreed with Homan’s concerns, stating that the US and Canada share the goal of ensuring a secure border.

"When it comes to our southern border and the US's northern border, you see there the alignment of interests in making sure that it is safe, that it is secure," Miller told reporters.

In an interview with 7News, Homan discussed the pressures faced by US agents at the northern border, many of whom he said are “overwhelmed” due to a shift in resources toward the southern border. Homan said that fewer resources up north make it easier for “special interest aliens” from nations associated with terror to exploit the border, noting that it is “an extreme national security vulnerability” that he’ll “tackle” as soon as he’s in the White House.

Miller confirmed Canada’s commitment to intercepting individuals attempting to cross illegally and emphasized alignment with US security interests. Yet, he acknowledged Canada’s unique immigration priorities, noting that the government would continue to manage its immigration system independently of US policies.

Homan, formerly head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also intends to lead Trump’s proposed deportation plans, telling undocumented migrants in the US to “start packing.” His approach hints at a potentially strained relationship with Canada as he said he expects “tough conversations” with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on border policies and enforcement.

Canada Braces for Potential Asylum Claim Surge

As Canada prepares for Trump’s return to office, the Canadian government is bracing for a surge in asylum claims. Canadian law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, have developed contingency plans, such as increased staffing along the border and expanding temporary detention facilities, in anticipation of asylum seekers potentially attempting to enter Canada before Trump’s inauguration.

Union representatives for Canada Border Services Agency officials, however, have warned of significant understaffing issues, suggesting an additional 2,000 to 3,000 officers are needed to manage the workload effectively.

During Trump’s first term, a large influx of asylum seekers entered Canada through unofficial crossings like Roxham Road, using a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement, which mandates asylum claims be made in the first safe country of arrival. Following a modification to the agreement, crossings at Roxham Road were effectively closed.

Recently, Trudeau announced a major reduction in Canada’s immigration targets. Miller reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to the revised Safe Third Country Agreement, stating, “It is in the national interest of both countries to make sure that we have managed flows of migration.”