The MP for Portage-Lisgar has voiced her concerns over a provincial government plan to house illegal migrants in a vacant building in Gretna.

The former seniors residence located on Berlin Avenue would be used as a temporary housing centre for asylum seekers crossing the border into Manitoba in an effort to take some pressure off of Manitoba Housing's resources in Winnipeg.

At a public meeting in Gretna last week, a significant number of people expressed concern about safety and security, in light of recent reports indicating that a high percentage of the asylum seekers have criminal records.
    
Bergen says part of the problem rests with the federal government and the gag order they've placed on CBSA and RCMP officers on information connected to illegal migrants. She says holding back

Brian Pallister information only feeds into people's fears.

"Communities have a reason to question what's going on until two things happen; first these questions are answered and secondly the federal government also declares that they believe it's wrong for people to come across illegally. If those things don't happen, these concerns will only grow and that's not good for anybody. It's not good for communities like Gretna and Emerson, and it's not good for these people who are running across the fields illegally."

Bergen argues the Trudeau government needs to send a clear message that Canada is open to people who want to come here legally and go through the process, but because the federal government has refused to act on this issue, problems are being created and services in Manitoba are being overwhelmed and overloaded.

"I've known about this residence in Gretna that was built for seniors that hasn't been used for seniors for quite awhile, and I know there has been some concern about that, but to see it now used for illegal migrants is disturbing, it's wrong and I think this situation is only going to get worse unless the federal government does something and takes some action."

Under Canadian law, individuals have a legal right to seek asylum without penalty applied to illegal entry and to fair and timely review of their case and adequate supports until a decision is made.

Bergen also expressed concern about the message the Trudeau government is sending by not trying to stem the growing tide of asylum seekers.

"We're hearing that there are people who are making money trafficking these migrants on the other side of the border by charging individuals money to drive them to the border and then telling them where to cross where they won't be stopped and that they'll get free health care and free housing when they get to Manitoba. That is wrong on so many levels and it needs to stop."

Manitoba premier Brian Pallister has expressed disappointment over the lack of help from the federal government in dealing with the growing number of refugees.

"They made a nice visit to Emerson which was good, but to follow it up with resources and support would be really helpful," said Pallister. "Costs are mounting and Manitobans are doing all the heavy lifting."

The provincial Tory government asked for federal help in February to provide housing, education and other services for the growing tide of refugees entering the country near Emerson.

However, both governments appear to be at an impasse when it comes to refugee funding, and the sticking point is a dispute over how many claimants are staying in the province.

Federal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said last month that ``a great many'' of the border crossers were not staying in Manitoba, but Education Minister Ian Wishart estimates 70 per cent of recent
arrivals are remaining in the province.