Canada to Hire 1,000 New CBSA Officers to Enhance Border Security

The Canadian government announced plans to hire an additional 1,000 officers for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This initiative, detailed in a statement from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office on March 15, 2024, aims to strengthen the country’s border security by addressing issues such as the trafficking of stolen goods, illegal firearms, and drugs, as well as enforcing import regulations and investigating unfair trade practices.

In an effort to enhance recruitment, the Liberal government is increasing the CBSA’s recruitment stipend for the first time since 2005. The weekly stipend will rise from $125 to $525, a significant boost that aims to attract more candidates to the agency. According to Keith Cozine, a border security analyst at St. John’s University, this move represents a positive step forward, although he emphasizes that more work is needed to bolster Canada’s border security.

Cozine noted that the CBSA currently employs approximately 8,500 frontline personnel. The addition of 1,000 officers would increase the workforce by over 10 percent. He expressed particular concern about the security of Canada’s ports of entry, especially airports, which he described as potential vulnerabilities in the country’s border security framework. Cozine highlighted that individuals entering Canada often pose security threats once they cross into the United States.

The federal government plans to include this initiative in the upcoming budget, which is expected to allocate an estimated $617 million over the next five years. During a press conference, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree outlined the funding and emphasized the importance of strengthening border security measures.

In addition to the recruitment drive, the government is proposing amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act. These changes would enhance support for recruitment and provide retirement options for employees after 25 years of service, without imposing age restrictions or pension reductions. This policy would apply to frontline federal workers, including border services officers, parliamentary protection officers, and emergency responders.

Cozine pointed out that Canada lacks a dedicated border patrol agency, relying instead on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and provincial law enforcement to manage border security. He acknowledged the adaptive nature of organized crime, noting that these groups continually innovate to circumvent security measures.

There has also been a growing emphasis on cooperation between Canada and the United States regarding border security. Cozine referred to a productive meeting in August 2023 between U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Justice Minister Sean Fraser, which aimed to strengthen cross-border collaboration. Earlier in March, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, granting the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to amend and negotiate existing agreements with Canada to facilitate cooperation.

Despite these advancements, the Canadian government is pursuing a separate legislative measure to grant authorities access to personal information, a move that has faced significant criticism from various quarters. As the government moves forward with its plans, the focus remains on enhancing border security while addressing public concerns regarding privacy and data access.