COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – Family south of the border

At Christmas, families come together and celebrate the season. Students return from university, young families reunite with grandparents, and extended family travel long distances to be around a familiar table. Of course, food is almost always a part of the celebration as families join at festive tables with traditional dishes, all creating new memories. Stories are shared, and burdens are shared. All problems aren’t solved but there is a sense that together, challenges can be faced.

I believe that Canada and the U.S. share a similar bond. We are two distinct nations, different in character and perspective, yet united by common values, a shared history, and one of the world’s longest and most trusted borders. For decades, both countries have benefited from deep cooperation, mutual respect, and strong trade relationships

Regrettably, over the past year, relations have been strained.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the 31st Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum in Washington, DC, with colleagues from other Canadian parties and parliamentarians from around the world. Since its inception in 2014, the forum has brought more than 3,000 parliamentarians from 120 countries to engage in dialogue and strategic global briefings. These included cyber warfare, digital currencies, AI, quantum computing, illicit finance/trade, adversarial foreign investments, supply chains, energy, critical minerals, human trafficking, migration, and other related topics. Engaging in dialogue mutually benefits nations.

During the forum, I had a constructive discussion with Minnesota Congresswoman (R) Michelle Fischbach. As representatives of border regions, we spoke candidly about shared concerns—trade, rural cross-border interests, tariffs, transportation crossings, border security, and Lake Winnipeg. As our conversation turned to areas of mutual interest, we agreed that Canada and the United States are, in many ways, family. That relationship carries deep relational currency, and we both believe it must be brought back to the forefront of every discussion we share.

I have previously referenced Canada’s agreement to purchase major U.S. military systems in exchange for reciprocal procurement access—an arrangement dating back to 1956. But the truth is that Canada–U.S. trade relations are far more layered and historically beneficial to both countries. Our economies have grown together, shaped by trust and cooperation built over generations.

Unfortunately, recent months have shown a lack of coherent federal leadership on this file. While provinces have an important role to play, Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s public interventions into sensitive trade and diplomatic discussion have complicated negotiations rather than strengthened Canada’s hand. At the same time Prime Minister Mark Carney – who promised he could secure a deal has thus far failed to deliver results. Mixed messages and disjointed leadership only weaken Canada’s position at a time when clarity and unity are essential

Like any family, however, tensions can arise. The United States has raised concerns about border security, urging Canada to designate organized crime cartels as terrorist entities, increase intelligence spending, strengthen border operations—including additional helicopters and advanced patrol technologies—and more aggressively target drug trafficking, including fentanyl and “super labs.” Unfortunately, these concerns were followed by the imposition of tariffs—an aggressive step that has been both damaging and deeply disappointing.

That said, Conservatives have been clear for years: crime and disorder are rising in Canada, and Liberal policies have left families feeling less safe. Extortion has increased by 330 percent nationwide, with more than 100 reported cases in Surrey alone this year. Violent crime has risen 54 percent since the Liberals took office. Our immigration system is under severe strain, with record numbers of temporary foreign workers and international students admitted without adequate oversight, and an asylum backlog that has ballooned thirtyfold.

Compounding these challenges, the Liberal government does not adequately track how many criminals are granted citizenship, nor has it satisfactorily explained how a known sex offender was permitted entry into Canada. Catch-and-release laws such as Bills C-5 and C-75 have failed to keep dangerous offenders behind bars and Canadians safe.

In short, weak borders and government neglect have harmed communities and families on both sides of the border. It should come as no surprise that the United States is raising these concerns. Still, engaging honestly on the full range of global and regional challenges only strengthens our relationship. In a world moving at unprecedented speed, security, technology, and transnational crime are deeply interconnected—and they demand cooperation.

I remain humbled to serve as your representative in Ottawa. The safety, security, and environment that allow families to flourish matter deeply to me. I am committed to advocating tirelessly on your behalf—from my work on the national security and intelligence committee of parliamentarians, to standing up for more than 5,000 farms in our region, including canola, beef, and pork producers facing steep U.S. duties, to supporting small and medium-sized businesses and defending the rights of families in Provencher.

Rebuilding and strengthening our relationship with our family south of the border is essential to Canada’s future prosperity. I am fully invested in that work.