PRIME Minister Mark Carney on Friday announced the hiring of 1,000 new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers. These new officers will help crack down on the movement of stolen goods, illegal guns, and drugs, enforce import measures, and investigate unfair trade practices, he said.
Carney also announced an increase in the CBSA’s recruit stipend for the first time since 2005, raising it from $125 to $525 per week, to help attract and retain the next generation of highly trained border officers.
The government will also amend the Public Service Superannuation Act to ensure CBSA officers and other frontline first responders receive benefits that reflect the weight of their responsibilities.
Steps to support stronger recruitment will include retirement options for such workers after 25 years of service to the country, regardless of age, without pension reductions. This change recognises their high-stress, high-risk roles and supports their long-term well-being. It would apply to frontline federal workers, including border services officers, parliamentary protection officers, search and rescue personnel, and both federal and territorial firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers.
Hiring more qualified officers will help the CBSA expand its presence at key air, land, rail, and marine ports of entry, and strengthen enforcement against organised crime, human smuggling, immigration fraud, and terrorism, the government said.
Carney said: “The world is increasingly dangerous and divided, and as Canadians, we must look out for ourselves. That is why Canada’s new government is relentlessly focused on protecting our border, our country, and our way of life. We’re securing our sovereignty, combatting crime, and building safer communities. Together, we are building Canada strong.”
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, said: “Canadians deserve to feel safe everywhere – where they live, play, and work. That’s why we’re increasing the number of CBSA officers to crack down on illegal drugs and guns entering our country. This action will shield Canadians from crime while strengthening our import measures to protect Canadian industries and workers. With Budget 2025, we are making our borders Canada strong.”
Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, said: “I have seen first-hand the excellent work done by the CBSA at our ports of entry. The agency’s mandate is broad, and it is critical to our public safety, whether it is ensuring the smooth operation of our borders or acting as our country’s first line of defence against crimes such as drug and weapons smuggling. The measures announced by the Prime Minister today will help give CBSA the resources it requires to do its job and keep our borders secure.”
