The federal government "will not hesitate" to strengthen Canada's human smuggling laws, stated Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper.

“It’s a fundamental exercise of sovereignty and we’re responsible for the security of our borders and the ability to welcome people or not welcome people when they come,” quoting the Prime Minister, the Canadian Press reported.

The Prime Minister stated that although Canada is a land of refuge, when hundreds of people come to the country outside the proper channels, it leads to "significant security concerns."

Meanwhile, a Canadian tribunal on Tuesday ordered continued detention for the first person interviewed in a group of 492 Tamil asylum seekers that reached Vancouver last week aboard a battered cargo ship.

The Tamil migrants reached Canada Friday after a 90-day journey aboard the MV Sun Sea, a shabby cargo ship. A male migrant died at sea from an undisclosed illness, Canadian police said.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews warned that the ship may include members of the Tamil Tigers and told reporters that the passengers paid up to 50,000 Canadian dollars for the trip.

The Canada Border Services said all 380 men and 63 women are detained, and 49 children are either with their families or in the care of local social services.

United Nations High Commission for Refugees observers were present as the independent Immigration and Refugee Board began hearings on Tuesday to decide whether the Tamils can be released.