The Public Service Alliance of Canada warns that the federal government cutting $68 million from the Canada Border Services Agency will undermine national security and trade relations.

PSAC’s National President, Sharon DeSousa, says, “You don’t strengthen border security with empty promises and budget cuts.”
A news release from the union says the CBSA is facing a critical shortage of 2,000 to 3,000 frontline officers, while the federal government has made promises to enhance border security with drones and helicopters.

DeSousa says technology alone can’t address the fundamental staffing crisis.

PSAC is calling on the federal government to reverse the planned budget cuts to CBSA operations and instead launch an aggressive recruitment campaign.

The union would also like the mandate of border officers expanded, so they can assist the RCMP.