‘Canada is strongly opposed to this US proposal and we’ve made that very clear to our US counterparts’
LONGEST UNDEFENDED BORDER IN THE WORLD TILL TRUMP
Oliver O'Connell New York THE INDEPENDENT 3/27/2020
White House officials are discussing the possible deployment of troops to the Canadian border.
The potential move is driven by US fears about the integrity of the border during the coronavirus pandemic and fears that people carrying the virus may enter the country illegally.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that he is aware of the discussions during his daily briefing.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters that Canadian ministers and diplomats have made it clear that this is not a plan Canada supports.
“Canada is strongly opposed to this US proposal and we’ve made that very clear to our US counterparts,” she said. Ms Freeland confirmed that Canadian officials learned of the proposal a few days ago.
American government officials inside Donald Trump’s White House are actively discussing putting troops near the Canadian borders in light of U.S. border security concerns around the coronavirus pandemic, sources tell Global News. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the news while giving his daily briefing to reporters from Rideau Cottage, acknowledging that conversations are taking place. “Canada and the United States have the longest un-militarized border in the world and it is very much in both of our interests for it to remain that way,” he said. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also weighed in during a briefing shortly afterwards with reporters, saying that Canadian cabinet ministers and diplomats have been working to try to make it clear to the Americans that this is not a plan Canada supports. “Canada is strongly opposed to this U.S. proposal and we’ve made that very clear to our U.S. counterparts,” she said, noting Canadian officials first learned of the proposal “a couple of days ago.”
In his press conference, Mr Trudeau said “Canada and the US have the longest unmilitarised border in the world, and it is very much in both of our interests for it to remain that way.”
The possibility of troops being stationed along the US side of the border was first reported by Canada's Global News, which cited sources as saying that they would be based approximately 15-20 miles from the border and would rely on remote sensors to pick up on border crossings.
Information would then be shared with Customs and Border Patrol agents who would take appropriate action. It is thought there would be no more than 1,000 troops involved.
The border beween the US and Canada has been closed to all but essential traffic since midnight on 21 March.
MICHAEL MOORE'S CANADIAN BACON HIS ONLY NON DOCUMENTARY
No comments:
Post a Comment