The RM of Portage la Prairie council met today and passed a resolution to contact the federal and provincial governments over the issue of illegal immigration into Canada.

"The RM of Portage la Prairie is asking the federal government to explain to us their plan to deal with the illegal border crossings into Canada that are taking place specifically in Manitoba," says Kam Blight, RM of Portage la Prairie reeve. "We know there is the Safe Third Country Agreement in place. However, that doesn't apply to refugees who are crossing the border illegally at non-border points, such as a farmer's field near Emerson."

Blight says it's not fair to those applying through legal means, and is becoming a burden to municipalities who have to house and take care of the refugees in their areas. He notes resources are being tapped including the RCMP and paramedics. Blight adds the RM wants to know the plan to deal with it, and says there is a cost that will escalate if this issue is encouraged.