The growning number of unauthorized asylum seekers crossing from the U.S. into Canada came up at a recent meeting between Manitoba premier Brian Pallister and Minnesota congressman Collin C. Peterson. In a joint statement, the two shared a mutual concern over the issue and the Congressman said the recent, tragic death of a woman attempting to cross the border demonstrated the considerable risks being taken to avoid detection when there are safer options in place.

“The life-threatening hazards facing potential asylum seekers continue past the end of winter as temperatures and wet conditions still pose significant dangers. The recent, tragic death of a woman attempting to cross the border in northern Kittson County demonstrated the considerable risks being taken to avoid detection when there are safer options in place,” said Congressman Peterson.

Congressman Peterson and Premier Pallister also encouraged communities and landowners on both sides of the international border to watch for potential asylum seekers who may be at risk of injury or in distress, and to call for medical assistance or local law enforcement aid.

Pallister added, there is a shared obligation to help protect people who are placing themselves and/or their families in danger without realizing the risks.

“As neighbours who share the longest open border in the world, we have a shared obligation to help protect people who are placing themselves and, in many cases, their families at serious risk without realizing the dangers they face from an unfamiliar environment."

Also in the statement, the two policitians also expressed concern that these continued crossings could begin to attract a human-trafficking element and have called on federal agencies in Canada and the United States to continue their collaboration to strengthen public safety and reduce the risk of human trafficking through enhanced sharing of information.

Further significant economic and security connections between Minnesota and Manitoba were also touched on during the meeting.