Ottawa, Ontario, January 2, 2014 – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement today after Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the removal of Gazmend Dervishaj on December 18, 2013.
“This is the 42nd removal since the launch of the ‘Wanted by the CBSA’ list in 2011. This sends a clear message to others who pose a threat to our society, that this government is committed to ensuring Canadians can live and raise their families in safe, secure communities.
I commend the efforts of CBSA officers who work tirelessly to identify, detain and remove those who enter or live here illegally, or who have broken the law and endangered our communities.”
Dervishaj was arrested on November 25, 2013, by CBSA officers in Calgary, Alberta. He has been convicted of arson and is inadmissible to Canada.
To date, as a result of the “Wanted by the CBSA” program, Canadians have assisted in locating 50 individuals in Canada, of which 42 have been removed. Additionally, eleven other individuals were located abroad.
For more information, visit the “Wanted by the CBSA” section of the Canada Border Services Agency website.
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Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Canada Border Services Agency
Media Line
613-957-6500
