Michael Hoffman

Letter to Chrystia Freeland on Bill C-23

Dear Minister:

I am one of your constituents in Toronto and write to you about my concern on bill C-23, which expands the power of U.S. preclearance officers in Canada.

In the past few weeks, the Trump administration has proven its desire and ability to abuse its border control powers for illegitimate purposes. The worst example of this is the chaotic and capricious implementation of immigration restrictions to further President Trump’s repeatedly stated desire for a “total and complete” ban on Muslims entering the U.S. This resulted in the extended detention of previously vetted U.S. visa holders and lawful permanent residents who were threatened with deportation and denied access to legal counsel. The Muslim ban has been stopped, for now, by orders from multiple judges. But the Trump administration has vowed to reverse these orders in pursuit of their demagogic policy.

Trump’s immigration policies violate the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and are a violation of the values inherent in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Simply put, the current U.S. government cannot be trusted to treat those arriving at the border — or preclearance stations — with fair behavior, or even legal behavior. In this context, expanding the power of U.S. officers on Canadian soil would be deeply irresponsible.

The 2015 preclearance agreement was made in a different time between very different governments. It is past time that it be re-thought.

I would appreciate a response.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Michael Hoffman

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