Goodale: Canada in ‘exploratory’ Safe Third Country talks with U.S.

CAPTION: Despite reports Canada wants the Safe Third Country Agreement to apply to the entire border, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says that would “increase insecurity.” The Liberals say there have been no formal talks with the U.S. on the issue. (May 1, 2018) 1. SOUNDBITE: Ralph Goodale, public safety minister 2. SOUNDBITE: Ahmed Hussen, immigration minister PLACELINE: Ottawa CREDIT: The Canadian Press STORYLINE: Canada is in ``exploratory'' talks with the United States to re-open the Safe Third Country Agreement, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said Tuesday as he dismissed reports that the Liberals want the pact to encompass the entire border. The aim would be to stem the flow of asylum seekers that have been coming into Canada from the U.S. ``It's a discussion we're having with the Americans about the various techniques that could be pursued on both sides of the border to ensure security and integrity,'' Goodale said as he left the weekly cabinet meeting. ``But this is very exploratory at the moment, scoping issues and potential solutions.'' There have been reports this week that Canada wants the agreement rewritten to apply to the entire border.