Federal Defence Minister Peter MacKay won't say whether a seized ship with 76 would-be immigrants is a human smuggling operation.
RCMP seized the ship off the coast of Victoria on Saturday. It is believed to be from Sri Lanka.
When asked if the ship was a smuggling operation in an interview with Jane Taber on CTV's Question Period, MacKay would not confirm and said the file is being handled by Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan.
He did say that the RCMP's investigation of the ship, which was sailing under the name "Ocean Lady," is ongoing and the immigration system will eventually "kick in" in the case.
"Until such time as there's a forensic examination of what's aboard the ship, some interviews will have to occur with the ship captain and crew, and that's happening," said MacKay.
A navy ship escorted the "Ocean Lady" to Victoria harbour.
MacKay said Canada was not at risk and added the navy and RCMP responded brilliantly.
