Mr. Speaker, Canada is well known as a tolerant nation, accepting of newcomers who want to work hard and play by our rules. Unfortunately, that generosity also makes us a target for criminal organizations that traffic in misery by carrying out human smuggling operations.
Today I designated five groups of migrants who illegally crossed the border near Stanstead, Quebec as irregular arrivals. This designation carries with it certain consequences.
Human smuggling is a dangerous and despicable crime. Our message is clear to those who contemplate a human smuggling operation: do not do it.