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Protecting Canada’s borders requires immediate investment in CBSA officers

As President-elect Trump’s tariff threats put focus on the world’s longest undefended border, the federal government is cutting $68 million from the very agency tasked with securing it. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) warns these cuts to the Canada Border Services Agency (CSBA) will undermine both national security and trade relations.

“You don’t strengthen border security with empty promises and budget cuts,” says Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “The math is simple: cutting $68 million means added pressure on officers and understaffed borders.”

The CBSA currently faces 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, PSAC warns that technology alone cannot address the fundamental staffing crisis.

“An app won’t stop drug smuggling, and a kiosk can’t spot a security threat,” says Mark Weber, National President of the Customs and Immigration Union (CIU). “CBSA officers are the backbone of our border. Everyday, they work to protect Canadian communities. We need the government to invest in people first.”

PSAC is calling on the federal government to reverse planned budget cuts to CBSA operations and immediately launch an aggressive recruitment campaign. The union advocates for a balanced approach that combines human expertise with technological support, rather than attempting to replace officers with automated systems, drones or helicopter surveillance.

The union is also urging the government to expand the mandate of border officers so they can assist the RCMP. “Emerging challenges make it clear that our members’ expertise is needed not just at ports of entry, but also in between,” explains Weber. “Expanding their mandate so they can act at all points along the border would signal a real commitment to border security from the government”.

“Border officers are a core part of Canada’s public safety system” highlights DeSousa. “They prevent the trafficking of harmful drugs, stolen cars, and dangerous weapons. They also ensure international mail parcels and packages are safe before they reach our loved ones. Expanding their mandate makes sense.”

Early retirement essential to retention

Recruitment and retention of border officers has been difficult as workers often leave the border agency for enriched compensation in local or national law enforcement.  The federal government’s recently announced plans to include border officers in the category of public safety officers who will be able to retire with unreduced pensions after 25 years of service, is an attractive incentive and will align CBSA officers’ pension benefits with other law enforcement officers like the RCMP.  The new legislation was supposed to be introduced this fall but has yet to be tabled by Treasury Board Minister Anita Anand.

“This pension victory is an important first step in recognizing the dangerous work our border officers do every day,” says Sharon DeSousa, PSAC National President. “But we can’t protect our borders tomorrow if we’re not investing in frontline officers today.”

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Recommitting to justice and fighting against human rights abuses

On December 10th, we commemorate International Human Rights Day to mark the anniversary of the United Nations’ adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This historic document guarantees the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people regardless of their background. Today, we reflect on the progress made towards justice and dignity for all. However, it is also a stark reminder that human rights abuses persist, both here in Canada and around the world.

Indigenous communities in Canada continue to face systemic inequalities, including the ongoing impacts of residential schools, lack of access to clean drinking water, and the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2 spirit peoples. Globally, millions are denied basic needs and freedoms due to conflict, oppressive regimes, and discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or identity.

As fellow human beings, it is our shared responsibility to stand against these injustices. At PSAC, we believe that the labour movement has an important role in fighting the social and economic inequities that impact the lives of workers and people in Canada and around the world. The Social Justice Fund is one of PSAC’s contributions to that struggle. PSAC has many active campaigns focused on human rights, including our Still Thirsty for Justice campaign.

Our union is guided by the members, who are at the forefront of our human rights initiatives. This important work will carry on in 2025, with several human rights-related resolutions passed at the last convention. These include fighting for affordable and accessible childcare, raising awareness on environmental racism and advocating with affected people, showing solidarity with the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran and so much more. We encourage all our members to get involved and stand up for the rights of all people.

We remain committed to advocating for justice, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that everyone has what they need to live a dignified life. The fight for justice is far from over and the only way we will win is if we fight together.

We’ve curated a list of books by authors from diverse backgrounds highlighting the importance of inclusivity and celebrating the contributions of equity-seeking groups to society and culture. Supporting authors that highlight the perspectives and struggles of equity-seeking groups aligns with the union’s broader commitment to fighting discrimination, advocating for fair treatment, and addressing systemic inequalities in the workplace and beyond.

By promoting books written by authors who belong to equity-seeking groups, we help amplify and empower voices that are often underrepresented or overlooked in mainstream discourse.

Equity group Book & Author Language Type of book
Racialized members How to Pronounce Knife, Souvankham Thammavongsa English Short Stories
Dans le ventre du Congo, Blaise Ndala   French Fiction
Les racistes n’ont jamais vu la mer Yara El-Ghadban, Rodney Saint-Éloi (several selections of novels) French Novel/essay
Women Junie by Chelene Knight English Fiction
We Have Always Been Here, Samra Habibs English Memoir
Le boys club – Martine Delvaux French Essay
Members with Disabilities Maudite Folle, Varda Étienne French Memoir/autobiography
The Monster and the Mirror, K J Aiello English Fiction
The future is disabled, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha English Essay
Indigenous This Accident of Being Lost, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson English Short Stories
Nauetakuan, un silence pour un bruit, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine French Fiction
J’aime les filles, Diane Obomsawin French Fiction
2SLGBTQIA+ La fille d’elle-même, Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay French Auto-Fiction
Noa intersexe, Samuel de Champagne French Fiction
PRIDE, Angel John Guerra and Michael Rowe English Non-fiction

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Walking in Our Truth Together: Modules 2 & 3 now available

Modules 2 and 3 of Walking in Our Truth Together — PSAC’s new, online course to support Truth and Reconciliation — are now available.

This course, created in collaboration with Canadian Geographic, offers members an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Indigenous history, rights, and resilience. Through education and reflection, participants gain the tools to advocate for justice and inclusivity in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

If you’ve started your learning with Module 1, the next steps are ready for you. If you haven’t registered yet, this is a great time to begin.

Start learning

What you’ll learn

Modules 1, 2, and 3 are now available, and each module is self-paced, allowing you to learn and reflect on your schedule.

  • Module 1: Begin your journey with an overview of key themes in reconciliation, setting the stage for deeper exploration.
  • Module 2: Understand the fundamental values that guide reconciliation efforts and explore foundational agreements like the Peace and Friendship Treaties, Doctrine of Discovery, and 1763 Royal Proclamation.
  • Module 3: Delve into the origins and ongoing significance of treaties, including the Two Row Wampum and Peace and Friendship Treaties, and learn more about their relevance in shaping today’s society.

This online course is more than just an educational tool, it’s a vital step towards understanding and addressing the injustices that have impacted — and continue to affect — Indigenous communities across Canada.

Start learning

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

 

Marking 35 years of the L’École Polytechnique Massacre

Content Warning: This statement includes mentions of violence against women and gender non-conforming people.  

Today marks 35 years since the tragic attack at L’École Polytechnique, where 14 women were targeted and killed simply because they were women. These women had families, dreams, and their whole lives ahead of them – all stolen in an act of violence. On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we honour their lives- cut short – and the longer lives they deserved to live.

In Canada, a woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. Indigenous women and girls are six times more likely to be killed than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Women continue to experience sexual assault and harassment at home, in public, online and in the workplace. In fact, 80% of sexual assaults occur in someone’s home and 70% are committed by someone the survivor knows, like a family member, friend, or a coworker. About half of all sexual assaults occur on dates.

These statistics only tell part of the story. Many survivors never report assaults due to fear, social stigma, distrust of police, and the overwhelming burden of proof placed on survivors in sexual violence cases. This makes it even harder to understand how widespread the problem really is.

Adding to the crisis, far-right extremism is a growing threat to the rights of women, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming people.

Gender-based violence is upheld by societal attitudes, systemic failures, and inaction at every level. This also means we have the collective power to make things better.

Today, we renew our commitment to work for gender equality, support survivors, and take action to end gender-based violence. Together, we can create a safer and more equal Canada for everyone.

If you or someone you know is facing abuse of any kind, you can call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511.

You can find a list of provincial and territorial supports at the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment.

In memory of

Geneviève Bergeron

Hélène Colgan

Nathalie Croteau

Barbara Daigneault

Anne-Marie Edward

Maud Haviernick

Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz

Maryse Laganière

Maryse Leclair

Anne-Marie Lemay

Sonia Pelletier

Michèle Richard

Annie St-Arneault

Annie Turcotte

Resources:

Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment 

White Ribbon Campaign 

Facts and Stats from Women and Gender Equality Canada 

Canadian Women’s Foundation

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

PSAC calls for Liberal government to be held accountable for pension attack on federal workers

The PSAC launches national pension campaign to urge the Trudeau government to respect workers and keep its hands off pensions.

The Liberal government’s plan to raid $9.3 billion from the federal public service pension surplus is a betrayal of Canada’s public service workers and sets the stage for other attacks on the pension security of millions of workers in Canada.

“This is a betrayal of trust,” said Sharon DeSousa, National President of PSAC. “Workers and the government contribute equally to this pension fund, but now the government is taking a break while workers are left to shoulder the burden.”

This reckless decision jeopardizes the retirement security of over 700,000 federal public service workers, retirees and thousands of territorial government employees.

The government’s pension scoop sets a dangerous precedent for millions of other workers across Canada, one that could pave the way for private and public employers alike to raid their own employees’ pension plans. This is more than a fight for public sector workers – a fight for everyone who believes in fairness, accountability and the retirement security of workers.

“If the federal government – the largest employer in the country – can raid its own workers’ pensions, what’s to stop other employers from doing the same?” said DeSousa.

It’s not too late for the Liberal government to do the right thing. PSAC has proposed three fair and reasonable solutions to address the pension surplus while protecting retirement security:

  1. Reverse the Two-Tier System: Reverse the two-tier system introduced by the Harper government in 2012 Under the Harper changes, federal workers who started their jobs on or after January 1, 2013 must work five years longer to reach full retirement. This inequality is fundamentally unjust.
  2. Equitable Retirement Options for Frontline Workers: Follow through on the government’s commitment to provide equitable retirement benefits for frontline public safety workers.
  3. Suspend Employee Contributions: If the government gives itself a contribution holiday, workers who equally pay into the pension plan should get one too, ensuring fairness and equity.

“This isn’t just about pensions; it’s about fairness, accountability, and doing the right thing for the workers who serve Canada every day,” said DeSousa.

Visit StopPensionTheft.ca for more information about the fight for fair pensions and a secure future for workers.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Expanding the role of border officers: Letter of support from NDP MPs Brian Masse and Alistair MacGregor

Following CIU’s letter to Dominic LeBlanc regarding the need for the government to expand the role of border officers between ports of entry, New Democratic Party MPs Brian Masse (NDP Canada-US Border Critic) and Alistair MacGregor (NDP Public Safety Critic) expressed support for the idea and for the Customs and Immigration Union and its members, in a letter to CIU National President Mark Weber. In the letter, they also highlight the need for increased staffing, enhanced resources and better training, and denounce the recent reduction in hours of service at more than a quarter of CBSA land ports of entry.

Read their letter, below.

Dear Mr. Weber,

We are writing to you on behalf of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in light of the recent call by United States President-elect, Donald Trump, for tighter security measures at the Canada-United States border. As you know, New Democrats have worked tirelessly over the years in Parliament to advocate for increased staffing, enhanced resources, and better training for the members of the Customs Immigration Union (CIU). We have been consistently critical of the cuts made a decade ago by the Harper Conservatives and have repeatedly called on the Trudeau Liberals to reinstate the necessary border officers and ensure staffing levels meet our country’s security needs.

Additionally, we have actively advocated for increased training for border officers and the establishment of a new training facility in Windsor, Ontario. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the government take immediate action to hire the necessary 2,000-3,000 border officers. If the government is serious about addressing border security, the most effective way to demonstrate that commitment is through a significant increase in staffing. In October 2024, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced our plan to immediately rehire the 1,100 border officers cut by the former Conservative government, with additional officers to follow.

The NDP is also committed to listening to Canada’s frontline border officers and ensuring the adequate staffing needed to maintain effective service at all ports of entry. We recognize that on November 18, 2024, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced a reduction in service hours at more than a quarter of its land ports of entry, to align with the operational hours of U.S. border crossings. However, we firmly believe that cutting service hours is not the solution. Instead, the focus must be on hiring and training more CBSA officers to ensure that all ports remain adequately staffed.

Furthermore, we want to express the NDP’s full support for the repeal of the 1932 Order in Council, which assigned policing duties between border crossings to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) instead of to frontline CBSA officers. If the government is serious about border security, they know that our CBSA officers are best positioned to intercept contraband such as illegal firearms and combat human smuggling. The only barrier preventing our officers from carrying out this critical work is the outdated 1932 Order in Council. It is time for this statute to be repealed and for CBSA officers to take on their rightful role.

It is also time to hire more officers, establish a new training facility, and ensure that our frontline officers are no longer overburdened. By taking these steps, we can strengthen border security, support the dedicated officers working on the frontlines, and ensure that Canada’s border protection is as secure as it needs to be.

The NDP remains committed to securing Canada’s borders through long-term, thoughtful investments in our border services. As always, we will work alongside the Customs Immigration Union and all stakeholders to ensure a safe and sustainable future for our border security.
Thank you for your continued advocacy on behalf of frontline workers. We look forward to working together on these critical issues in the near future.

Sincerely,

Alistair MacGregor MP
NDP Public Safety Critic

Brian Masse MP
NDP Canada-US Border Critic

Click here for the original PDF version.

Letter to Minister LeBlanc: Expanding the role of border officers between ports of entry

CIU National President Mark Weber sent the following letter to the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, on December 2, 2024.

Dear Minister,

In the wake of the latest American presidential election, the last few weeks have brought renewed interest in the state of Canada’s borders, and in our country’s ability to adequately control the cross-border flow of people along with interdicting dangerous drugs and firearms.

In response to this renewed pressure, your government has signaled it was considering investing in drones and police helicopters, as well as redeploying existing RCMP officers to priority areas. I am glad to see the Canadian government take border security concerns to heart. A number of border threats have become prevalent in the last decade — notably illegal firearms, dangerous opioids, and human smuggling — and investing in our border is paramount.

I would like to suggest an additional course of action that will reinforce our capacity to better protect Canadian communities: Expanding the role of Canada Border Services Agency officers to allow them to act between ports of entry.

As you know, nothing in the Customs Act or the Immigration Refugee Protection Act prevents CBSA officers from performing their duties between ports of entry — in fact, the legislation explicitly provides for it. However, as confirmed to us by the Agency itself, law enforcement between ports of entry remains the purview of the RCMP due to a nearly century-old 1932 Order-in-Council still in effect.

With ongoing border security concerns, it would make sense for your government to revisit this decision and rely on the expertise of CBSA officers to help protect our borders at and between ports of entry. This is something the Customs and Immigration Union has long called for, and the time is right.

I am sure you’ll agree: A properly staffed border is a secure border. As such, in addition to investing in new tools like drones, it is crucial for the Canadian government to ensure a human presence at the border. CBSA officers are already trained with the border in mind and have a keen understanding of relevant laws and regulations. They are also already physically present at areas of importance. When considering the extensive mandate of the RCMP, empowering CBSA officers to act and patrol in between ports of entry in collaboration with RCMP officers is a logical step.

In light of this, I urge you to take the necessary steps — by reviewing the 1932 Order-in-Council and any other regulation necessary — to allow CBSA officers to perform the full extent of their functions at and between ports of entry. Doing so will send a strong signal that the Canadian government understands what is needed to protect our border and our communities.

I remain at your disposal should you wish to discuss this important matter in person, and I look forward to your response.

Yours truly,

Mark Weber
National President, Customs and Immigration Union

Click here for the original PDF version.

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence 2024

The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs each year from November 25 to December 10 and calls attention to the needs for action to put an end to gender-based violence against women and girls.

As part of this international campaign, the federal government’s theme for this year is Come Together, Act Now. As per the government, the theme “emphasizes how crucial it is to involve everyone in Canada – particularly men and boys – in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence. It is also a call to action urging all of us to recognize the signs of gender-based violence and to reach out for support, for ourselves or loved ones.”

We invite all our members to take a look at the federal government’s campaign page for ways to get involved as part of the 16 Days of Activism. Be sure to also check out the related United Nations campaign UNiTE. Led by UN Women, this initiative “was created to support the civil society led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign around the world.” The UNiTE theme for this year is “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”. Read more about UNiTE here.

Honouring Trans Day of Remembrance: Standing Together Against Hate

On November 20, we mark Trans Day of Remembrance, an occasion to honour the lives of trans people around the world, and those we have lost to violence and discrimination.

Although Canada has legal protections for gender identity and expression, transphobia is on the rise. Trans people face greater rates of violence, as well as greater barriers to employment and healthcare, which is now made worse by anti-trans laws in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Alberta.

Not only do these laws harm trans people by limiting their ability to actively participate in society, they embolden people to act in discriminatory and violent ways, which has a very serious impact on the safety, mental health and well-being of trans people. In fact, a recent study found that transgender people in Canada are three times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and other mental disorders compared to cisgender people. Even worse, they are six times more likely to have attempted suicide in their life. We must fight against transphobia and anti-trans legislation to ensure that all trans people have access to mental and health care services so they can have full, thriving lives.

These anti-trans laws also fuel misinformation. Harmful myths about trans people — whether it be about sports or accessing gender affirming care — are often spread without evidence or care for the impact this has on trans people.

What you can do

On this Trans Day of Remembrance, let’s honour the lives lost, while recommitting ourselves to building a world where trans people can live safely and authentically.

Let’s take time to fact-check information, seek credible sources, and amplify voices from the trans community who can speak on their realities. Let’s create a more inclusive society, rooted in respect and understanding.

Like every year, vigils will be held across Canada. Attending these events is a powerful way to show your support and connect with others to help end anti-trans violence.

Together, we can create a future where trans rights are not only protected but celebrated. Let’s ensure that the lives we lost inspire meaningful action.

Here are just some of the locations hosting vigils happening across the country:

British-Columbia

Victoria; Vancouver

North

Whiteworse; Yellowknife

Prairies

Edmonton; Calgary; Saskatoon; Winnipeg

Ontario

Toronto; Ottawa

Quebec

Québec City; Montreal

Atlantic

Saint-John; Fredericton; Halifax; Charlottetown; St. John’s

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Treasury Board National Bargaining Conference: members of equity groups, women and young worker encouraged to apply

bargaining-pattern_psac
bargaining-pattern_psac

The Treasury Board PA, TC, SV and EB collective agreements will expire in 2025.

  • Program and Administrative (PA) group expiry date: June 20, 2025
  • Technical Services (TC) group expiry date: June 21, 2025
  • Operational Services (SV) group expiry date: August 04, 2025
  • Education and Library (EB) group expiry date: June 30, 2025

In preparation for the next round of bargaining, PSAC will host a bargaining conference for PA, TC, SV, and EB group members on February 19-23, 2025, in Montréal.

The conference will bring members together to review, discuss, and prioritize issues for bargaining with Treasury Board. Conference delegates will also be electing their bargaining team.

PSAC is issuing a call-out for equity group members to attend the Treasury Board national bargaining conference.

The participation of all groups in collective bargaining is critical and we encourage equity group members – Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, Access (members with disabilities), women and young workers (35 years old or younger) – to participate.

  • Applicants must be a member of the PA, TC, SV, or EB bargaining unit as well as hold union office and demonstrate evidence of union activism.

Please submit your application before December 16 to be considered for the upcoming bargaining conference.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

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