There seems to be an uneasy calm before the storm regarding the impending wave of asylum seekers headed for Canada due to Donald Trump’s harsh deportation policies. In my latest cartoon, you’ll see Justin Trudeau and Immigration Minister Marc Miller casually shuffling around some red velvet stanchion ropes, seemingly unprepared for the flood of humanity that might soon be knocking at our door.

This cartoon serves as a stark reminder that while Trump focuses on the movement of drugs and tightening borders, the real human cost is often overlooked. Many undocumented migrants will—or have already begun—fleeing the U.S. and seeking refuge in Canada, yet our officials appear to be in denial about the potential crisis ahead. With Canada’s asylum system already stretched thin, the shift from a welcoming humanitarian approach to a more restrictive stance raises serious questions about our readiness to uphold our values.

There’s a sense that politeness reigns. What’s the point of getting bent out of shape about a crisis that hasn’t fully materialized yet? The challenging times we find ourselves in are partly due to the polite generosity of allowing too many in, which has led to several crises. Just in the past couple of days I've heard of several academic acquaintances of mine losing their long term positions because the government has stopped colleges from using foreign applicants as commodities to rake in foreign cash. Just one example of the ripple effects of poorly thought out generosity.

It’s crucial for us as Canadians to reflect on how we want to respond. Are we willing to embrace our tradition of compassion, or will we retreat into a mindset of exclusion? The future of our immigration policy is at a crossroads, and how we choose to act will not only affect those seeking safety but also shape Canada’s global reputation.

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Please enjoy the making-of clip of my December 6 editorial cartoon, don’t forget to turn up the sound: