Meeting to Discuss Border and Trade Issues
US President-elect Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met for a dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to tackle pressing issues regarding border security and trade. The meeting came amid Trump’s provocative statements about potentially imposing tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico due to worries over drug trafficking and illegal migration. This high-stakes discussion aimed to clarify the distinctions between the border challenges facing Canada and those of Mexico.
Clarifying Differences in Border Challenges
Canada’s ambassador to the US, Kirsten Hillman, reported that Prime Minister Trudeau effectively communicated the significant differences between Canada’s border situation and that of Mexico. Trudeau emphasized to Trump that the dynamics at the Canada-US border do not support the same level of concern that the Mexico-US border does, particularly regarding drug trafficking. Hillman highlighted that virtually no fentanyl moves from Canada into the US, while 99.8% of fentanyl seized in the US originates from Mexico.
Statistics Highlighting the Contrast
During the meeting, Hillman provided stark statistics underscoring the contrast between the two borders. For instance, US customs agents intercepted merely 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared to a staggering 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Additionally, illegal immigration figures reflected a similar disparity, with US Border Patrol making significantly more arrests at the Mexican border in just one month than at the Canadian border throughout an entire year.
Emphasizing Cooperation in Border Security
Hillman, during her conversation with Biden, also conveyed Canada’s dedication to improving border security. She discussed plans to deploy more helicopters, drones, and law enforcement personnel. Furthermore, she mentioned a mutually beneficial agreement that permits migrants illegally crossing into the US to be sent back to Canada, showcasing a level of cooperation that is not present in US-Mexico relations.
Trade Dynamics Under Spotlight
The discussion also ventured into the economic realm, particularly focusing on the notable trade deficit the US has with Canada. Hillman pointed out that a substantial portion of last year’s $75 billion deficit is linked to Canadian energy exports, which are crucial to the trade balance. With daily cross-border trade hitting $3.6 billion CAD, Canada remains a vital trading partner for the US, supplying a significant portion of critical resources needed for national security. Although Trump characterized the talks as “productive,” Hillman noted that there were no signs he would retract his tariff proposals. She acknowledged the dinner went well, though she wished for a more definitive assurance against tariffs.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Politico
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