Beyond the border - protecting communities from drugs, guns, criminals and other high-risk goods and people

From drug smugglers to those trying to take advantage of our immigration system, from foreign pests/diseases to suspected war criminals, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) defends Canadians and their local communities from coast to coast to coast.  

2017-18 was a challenging one for the CBSA with a surge of individuals illegally crossing the border and smugglers coming up with new concealment techniques. However, the CBSA stood strong to protect Canadians, facilitate the cross border movement of legitimate trade, while expediting low-risk travellers’ time at the border.

Check out some of the top stories since April 2017 below!

Keeping harmful goods off Canadian streets

While the CBSA processed over 87 million travellers and over 5 million commercial vehicles from April 2017 to March 2018, it was successful in keeping over 2.8 million grams of cocaine, over 14.5 thousand grams of fentanyl, and over 11,200 firearms and prohibited weapons off Canadian streets and out of the hands of our children.

You won’t believe how much child pornography and opium the CBSA kept out of local communities. Check it out here.

Our missing children

Did you know the CBSA was instrumental in reuniting missing/abducted children with their legal guardians? The Agency works hand in hand with other government partners as part of the Our Missing Children Program. Since April 2017, across Canada, CBSA staff assisted with the recovery of over 40 missing children including multiple parental abductions, runaways and one confirmed case of child exploitation involving a 15 year-old. Since the Agency started participating in this important partnership we have helped recover over 1,900 children.    

Asylum seekers

CBSA staff from across Canada were called to action when the number of asylum seekers rose significantly, ensuring that all were processed efficiently and professionally, all while upholding the integrity of the Canadian Immigration system. They worked tirelessly to ensure that Canadians and their community’s safety and security was not jeopardized. We continue to enforce policies and procedures to protect our border while respecting domestic and international obligations. 

Pressed for time?

Whether it be through the NEXUS program or providing travellers up to date Border Wait Times, the CBSA is dedicated to making the border experience as seamless and as timely as possible for low-risk travellers.

Travelling by air?

The Agency continued to implement Primary Inspection Kiosks at an additional six airports across Canada. Since the CBSA started using this technology, over 10 million travellers have saved time at the border by using this smart border technology. These kiosks offer self-service options for international air travellers arriving in Canada by verifying travel documents, completing an on-screen declaration, and confirming identity using facial authentication. Travellers looking to save even more time at the border should complete their declaration in advance using the CanBorder - eDeclaration mobile app!

Travelling by car?

The CBSA added Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to traveller lanes at select border crossings across Canada. RFID increases efficiency and saves time at some of the busiest crossings in Canada by modernizing the entry of traveller information from certain RFID-enabled documents. 

Detentions

Expanded Alternatives to Detention (ATD) framework

Immigration detention, although a last resort, is sometimes necessary to ensure the continued safety and security of Canadians. The Agency continues to work with various interest groups to roll out a national, risk-based program for vulnerable persons, and those considered suitable for release from detention. This initiative includes Community Case Management and Supervision programs, a voice reporting system and location based services, and expanded electronic supervision tools such as the use of GPS Electronic Monitoring as possible.

Minors in detention

Keeping families together and keeping children out of immigration detention is a priority for the CBSA. The Public Safety Minister asked the Agency to continue to ensure that the best interest of the child is given primary consideration, and we are committed to keeping that at the top of mind. 

Looking for a challenge? We’re hiring!

As a BSO, individuals become the face of our country when visitors and goods arrive and residents return home. They stand united in protecting the safety, security, and health of our country in the ever-changing world we live in. The CBSA recently launched a Small Communities recruitment campaign, focusing on hiring BSOs for smaller rural border crossings in small communities. This is being done in addition to the regular recruitment for positions available across the country.