Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government enhance border security after threats of tariffs from US President-elect Donald Trump. Photo: CPAC.

Poilievre urges action on border security amid U.S. tariff threat

Evan TaylorDecember 2, 2024 10:25 am Last Updated on October 1, 2025 12:55 pm

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to present a plan to strengthen border security, in light of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canada.

Poilievre while speaking with reporters argued that the government needs to take action to address illegal border crossings and drug trafficking.

He proposed increasing border patrols, using more technology, tightening visa rules, and working with provincial law enforcement. Poilievre said, “The reality is that Trudeau has lost control of the deficit, of immigration, and of our border.”

He also called for a cap on asylum seekers to manage the growing backlog of refugee claims. “I love real refugees,” Poilievre said, “but I have no time for people who lie to come into our country.”

With nearly 250,000 refugee claims in process as of September 2024, Poilievre expressed concern that fraudulent claims were slowing the system. His remarks come as Canada prepares for potential border security challenges with the new U.S. administration.

Poilievre’s comments come as the Canada-U.S. relationship faces growing tensions, especially with Trump’s upcoming presidency. The incoming U.S. leader has repeatedly expressed concerns over border security, particularly around the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl and asylum seekers.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from both Canada and Mexico unless these issues are addressed.

Evan Taylor
Evan Taylor is a 2018 graduate of the journalism program at Fanshawe College. He is based in Bridgewater and covers stories across the South Shore and Nova Scotia. Contact Evan at taylore@radioabl.ca.
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