Guns, not Fentanyl and Aliens, is our threat - by Councillor Michael Thompson, seconded by Councillor Mike Colle

The stated reason for this is that Canada's and Mexico's lax border security contribute to a flood of Fentanyl and illegal aliens into the U.S. The data does not support the claim against Canada. For example, in 2022 the number of illegals apprehended at the Canadian border was 110,000 compared to 2.38 million at the Mexican border. In 2023, border security seized 21,000 pounds of Fentanyl at the Mexican border; and just 43 pounds at the border with Canada. Meanwhile, Canadian border communities are inundated with illegal American-manufactured guns - easily and cheaply available from a trade partner steeped in gun culture and disinclined to place strict controls on its manufacture, sale and access. Up to 400,000 people cross the U.S.-Canada border each day, many ferrying goods valued at $1.3 billion along 8,891 kilometres of the world's longest undefended border. While law enforcement and border agents can't give us exact numbers, The Firearms Analysis and Tracing Enforcement (FATE) Program statistics for 2023 indicated that 85% of crime handguns seized in Ontario were smuggled into Canada from the United States. Between January 1 and November 24 this year, Toronto police seized 659 crime guns. If, at the threat of tariffs, the U.S. expects Canada to stop the trickle of Fentanyl and illegal immigrants moving south from Canada into the U.S., then it's reasonable for Canada to expect the U.S. to stop the gush of guns flowing north into Canada. The motion addresses an issue that rose up suddenly following the U.S. election. The unexpected Trump Tariffs are supposed to go into effect on January 20. The provincial Premiers met Monday to draft a united position in support of Canada. The Federal government has been compiling a list of potential goods on which to impose counter-tariffs. This motion is urgent as it addresses the unexpected Trump Tariffs, scheduled to take effect on January 20. Given that the next council meeting will not occur until February 20, it is crucial to address this matter immediately.

"ridiculous Open Borders."