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Photo by Trevor Hagan / THE CANADIAN PRESS

And as the volume of illegal crossers increases, the failure of the federal government to ensure our border matters will fuel growing division across the country about refugees, as is happening in the U.S.

Another issue is cost. Federal, provincial and local taxpayers are on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars to process these claims, provide housing and other support for claimants who spend many months waiting to learn whether they’ll be accepted, rejected or deported.

Photo by Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Nailing down those costs has been difficult, and a recent report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) doesn’t tell the whole story, but should be commended for its efforts.

While the feds are responsible for processing the claims and providing interim health care for asylum claimants — provinces and cities are shouldering shelter services costs, housing support, food banks and more.

The City of Toronto recently reported that, as of last count, it has sunk $64.5 million into supporting just some of the people who cross into Canada via the Quebec border last year and this year.

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The PBO tally says that for people crossing in 2017, 2018 and those expected in 2019, the federal processing costs alone are a whopping $1.1 billion.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau effectively threw open Canada’s doors to any and all refugees, then when they came by the thousands was forced to squeeze it shut.

And he dumped responsibility for the mess he created onto cities and provinces.

It’s reckless for the prime minister to continue ignoring this problem. Yet, his Liberal government has to date announced zero plans to halt the flow of people or adequately fund the care of those already here.

That must change.