An NDP Member of Parliament is urging the government to prevent Canadian businesses from engaging with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Heather McPherson shared a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasizing the need to take measures against Canadian companies collaborating with ICE.
In her communication, McPherson underscored the importance of Canada distancing itself from supporting actions that promote fascist violence, which she believes endanger communities and the safety of both American and Canadian citizens. She suggested that the government should prohibit export permits for companies supplying equipment to ICE and withdraw any public subsidies or contracts from firms involved with the agency.
The recent actions of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration drew attention to federal agents being deployed to cities deemed to have high crime rates, such as Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, and Charlotte, N.C. Minneapolis became the latest focus of these federal operations, with a significant presence of masked and armed agents conducting raids on establishments and residences. The administration claims that the agents are targeting individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
Following ICE’s heightened activities in Minneapolis, there have been distressing incidents, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents and the detention of a five-year-old child with his father.
Amidst growing public outcry, McPherson highlighted the alarming events in the U.S., particularly in Minnesota, and expressed concerns over the administration’s actions. Thousands of protesters have demanded the departure of ICE from the city.
Regarding Canadian business relations, McPherson pointed out several examples, citing companies like Hootsuite that reportedly provide services to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. While acknowledging the troubling situation, Hootsuite’s CEO clarified that their contract with ICE does not involve monitoring or surveillance of individuals.
Additionally, concerns were raised over B.C. billionaire Jim Pattison’s potential involvement in selling a warehouse to DHS for ICE operations. ICE itself has allocated funds for a significant purchase of armored vehicles from Canadian defense manufacturer Roshel.
McPherson, who is vying for leadership within her party, received confirmation along with four other candidates to be on the ballot in the upcoming elections. CBC News has sought a response from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding McPherson’s letter and its implications.