Conservatives mull new human smuggling laws

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews is expected to present cabinet with a list of legal options next week.

Since the arrival last month of nearly 500 Tamil refugee claimants aboard a rusting cargo ship, the Conservative government has been talking about drafting laws to prevent the country becoming a soft target for human smugglers. Analysts have said their options are few, because anyone who reaches Canada is entitled to the same legal rights as any Canadian, and stopping ships before they reach Canada is tricky under international law. However, Vic Toews is expected to present a list of viable options to the government next week, and today will make an announcement on an international partnership to prevent human smuggling.