‘This trend gives us some significant concern’
Stephen Harper is warning the government won’t be as welcoming of future asylum seekers who arrive on Canada’s shores like those aboard the MV Sun Sea did last week. Speaking to reporters in Mississauga on Tuesday, the prime minister said Ottawa “will not hesitate to strengthen the laws if we have to” in order to prevent more ships from coming to Canada. The opposition Liberals have criticized the Harper government for focusing on security issues in connection with the arrival of nearly 500 Tamil would-be refugees from Sri Lanka. Harper’s Tuesday press conference suggested his government isn’t about to change tack. “We are responsible for the security of our borders, and the ability to welcome people, or not welcome people, when they come,” he said. “This trend gives us some significant concern, and we’ll take whatever steps are necessary going forward.”