Justin Trudeau says won't ask for changes to U.S. border's marijuana rules

Canadian travellers can face restrictions entering U.S. if they admit to pot use.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at a press conference in the national press theatre in Ottawa on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

By: Ryan Tumilty
 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he won’t ask the American government to change its border rules around marijuana use when Canada legalizes pot next year.

Currently, U.S. border guards can question travellers about marijuana use and can refuse entry over the issue. Travellers can get waivers in the future, but it can be a costly and time-consuming process.

Trudeau, who has previously admitted to using marijuana and was travelling to New York to visit the United Nations on Tuesday, said the U.S. sets its own rules.

“Canadians appreciate is that we don’t let other countries or other leaders dictate who or how we let people into our country,” he said. “So I’m not going to tell Americans how to make decisions about who they let into their country either.”

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale emphasized that Canadians should not lie about their marijuana use when crossing the border and also stressed that moving marijuana across the border in either direction is illegal and will remain that way.

"If you’re crossing the border you’d be well advised to be forthright and honest in answering the questions of border officers whether you’re moving from north to south or south to north. It is obviously critical to respect the border rules of the other country."

At a 45-minute press conference, just as parliament was resuming, Trudeau was also asked about privacy rights at the border. Canada’s privacy commissioner raised concerns Tuesday that U.S. border guards could inspect phones as they crossed into the country.

Trudeau said they’re constantly working with U.S. officials on border issues because the border is essential to the Canadian and U.S. economies.

“We’re always looking for ways to better protect Canadians and ensure both security and a smooth flow back and forth across the border,” he said. “Our economy, our country depends on it, and we are engaged on an ongoing basis in very detailed discussions with the Americans every day on how we improve the border.”