The Customs and Immigration Union is glad to see the New Democratic Party confirm its commitment to bolstering Canada’s border services as part of its Made for People. Built for Canada plan released on April 19.
Echoing the announcement made last fall, the NDP’s election commitment to border security is clear: “We would hire thousands of new border officers and give them the right to stop border crossers in between regular ports of entry – to strengthen the border and stop guns before they get into Canada. We will also build a new training centre for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in Windsor.”
Building additional training facilities is crucial to ensure Canada’s border services are properly staffed in order to meet existing and emerging border challenges. While other parties have committed to hiring additional border officers, the NDP is the only party with a clear plan that would make it possible to increase training output, facilitating the hiring of additional personnel.
The announcement also addresses another key CIU demand: Allowing our members to act between ports of entry to help stem the flow of dangerous drugs and firearms and protect Canadian communities.
By focusing on hiring more officers, boosting the training capacity of Canada’s border services, and allowing border officers to act outside of ports of entry, the NDP proposes a much-needed worker-focused approach to border security.
No cuts to public services
The NDP’s plan also includes a commitment to reject cuts: “New Democrats are rejecting calls for cuts to the public sector and to social programs – cuts which would be made to reach a budgetary balance in the short-term, despite the costs and the consequences for people.”
Combined with the NDP’s steadfast advocacy in favour of ’25 and out’ pension reform, the pledge to reject cuts shows a serious commitment to workers rights and public sector employees, including our own members.
