“We must work together to secure the border. It’s Ottawa’s responsibility mainly, but Quebec accepts to play a role,” says Jean-François Roberge, the minister responsible for Canadian relations.
QUEBEC — The Legault government softened its language Thursday about Ottawa’s handling of the 25-per-cent tariff threat south of the border, welcoming news that the federal government has and is planning a further tightening of border controls.
“I am happy this morning to see the reaction of (Public Security Minister) Dominique LeBlanc and (deputy prime minister) Chrystia Freeland, who seem to have finally understood the message that we need a plan to secure the borders faced with immigration and avoid the 25-per-cent tariffs,” Premier François Legault said.
“I want the federal government to succeed in avoiding the 25 per cent, that we work together. But I was very happy to hear Chrystia Freeland and Dominique LeBlanc.”
Legault has been pressing Ottawa for days to step up their game on tightening border controls following the threat of 25-per-cent tariffs on Quebec and Canadian exports lobbed at Canada on Monday by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Following the meeting, Legault said he had hoped for a clearer plan from Ottawa, but Freeland and LeBlanc told reporters after Legault spoke that Ottawa is not sitting back while events unfold in the U.S.
Freeland said the bulk of the discussion at the meeting was about the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and the importance of showing Canadians and Americans the border is secure.
“We agreed that illegal drugs, especially opioids, are a scourge for both our countries and that we need to continue to work hard to ensure our border is safe and secure and to really crack down on illegal drugs,” Freeland said.
LeBlanc said Canada wants to show in “visible and concrete ways” the measures already taken to beef up border security and the additional measures it intends to take.
LeBlanc has already mentioned Ottawa’s interest in increasing the number of police officers, drones and even helicopters on the border.
Jean-François Roberge, the minister responsible for Canadian relations, also expressed his satisfaction.
“I am happy Mr. LeBlanc responded positively to our demands,” Roberge said. “What is clear is that we want to work in a co-operative way with Ottawa. We should do this — securing the border — together; of Quebec towards the United States and the United States towards Quebec.
“I think this increased security will boost confidence and can pay off economically. We must work together to secure the border. It’s Ottawa’s responsibility mainly, but Quebec accepts to play a role. But we need a plan.
“I am happy Mr. LeBlanc has responded positively to Quebec’s demands, but we need a schedule. We can’t let things drag on.”
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