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International Women’s Day 2025

March 8 is International Women’s Day, and the CIU National Women’s Committee wishes to acknowledge the continued work of all activists and members within our union who identify as women, and without whom many of our victories and achievements would never have become reality. A true force for mobilization in the face of adversity, women of all horizons are consistently at the forefront of the union movement to defend our rights and fight for greater equality.

Ongoing political turmoil south of the border brings to light the fragility of hard-won rights. More than ever, we as activists must remain vigilant and ready to defend what is all too easy to take for granted.

On International Women’s Day, it is also important to recognize the work that can be done within our own union to advance women’s rights and representation. It is in that spirit that the CIU National Board of Directors voted in September 2024 to adopt a recommendation creating a new position of Vice-President; Status of Women in all Branches, in line with a PSAC National Convention resolution adopted in 2022 to that effect. Ensuring adequate representation at the Branch level helps our union to better engage on issues facing women while breaking down barriers to participation.

On behalf of the entire Customs and Immigration Union, to all the women who are fighting to take down barriers and build a fairer, more just world, we extend our most heartfelt solidarity.

– The CIU National Women’s Committee

Rethinking effective border enforcement

CIU National President Mark Weber sent the following letter to David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, on March 7, 2025.

Dear Minister,

For the last months, the topic of border security has been at the forefront of public discourse, and for good reason: The fast-eroding Canada-U.S. relationship makes all too clear the need for Canada to rethink its approach to border enforcement. We share the world’s longest undefended border with a country that has signaled that the partnership of old is no longer to be taken for granted. Now is the time for innovation to ensure our own country is equipped to act against emerging and existing threats — including the considerable flow of dangerous firearms originating from the U.S.

The recent federal border plan shows that border pressures are well on the radar of your government, yet more can be done. When we last met in January of this year, I highlighted the importance of exploring additional courses of action to reinforce Canada’s ability to protect our communities. Notably, it would be in the best interest of the federal border infrastructure to expand the role of Canada Border Services Agency officers to allow them to act between ports of entry — in cooperation with Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers — and to boost CBSA’s training capacity by opening new facilities to supplement the existing CBSA college in Rigaud.

Doing so would ensure sustainable staffing levels for the long term and would make it so that CBSA officers already present at the border and trained to enforce relevant border legislation, such as the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), would be able to act jointly with the RCMP across the full breadth of the Canada-U.S. border. Canadians can only benefit from this shared expertise between the two major federal law enforcement agencies.

I was therefore disappointed to see the National Police Federation (NPF), which represents RCMP officers, publish their recent position statement strongly opposing any consideration of expanding the mandate of CBSA officers. This is contrary to the spirit of cooperation that federal Canadian law enforcement agencies should be pursuing. Indeed, it is in that same spirit that, when advocating for an expanded role for border personnel between ports of entry, the Customs and Immigration Union has always made clear that this should be done in collaboration with RCMP officers.

Rather than engaging in an ultimately fruitless public debate in the media in response to the NPF’s assertions, I am writing to you today to reiterate the importance for your government to allow CBSA officers to perform the full extent of their functions at and between ports of entry and, in light of the constantly shifting border landscape, to further invest in CBSA.

Indeed, two of the major federal political parties already recognize the need for greater reliance on CBSA officers: Both the federal New Democratic Party and the Conservative Party of Canada have pledged to hire thousands more border officers and to expand their role across the full breadth of the border. Going a step further, the NDP also committed to building a new CBSA training centre. This shows a true commitment to establishing a sustainable, long-term plan for our border. We hope that your government, too, will see the wisdom in this course of action.

The fact is that CBSA is uniquely positioned to help further strengthen Canada’s border protection infrastructure, thanks in large part to the comprehensive and specialized training border officers receive, which focuses entirely on the Customs Act, IRPA and border protection. While the initial CBSA training is somewhat shorter than the RCMP’s, this is simply a result of CBSA officers not needing to enforce provincial legislation as the RCMP does, and which falls well outside of the border enforcement mandate.

By adopting Bill C-20, your government has also codified its desire to see both the RCMP and CBSA benefit from the same civilian oversight, through a single body responsible for both agencies.

At the end of the day, border protection between ports of entry was not in the mandate of the RCMP until 1932, when the federal government transferred the responsibility away from what would become CBSA to the RCMP. Outside of repealing this nearly century-old OIC, allowing CBSA officers to act between ports of entry would require little to no legislative change as CBSA enforcement falls squarely under federal law — both the Customs Act and IRPA already have language authorizing actions outside ports.

CIU’s position remains clear. To not include CBSA personnel as part of Canada’s solution to secure our border between ports of entry would be a missed opportunity to capitalize on the unique, specialized expertise of the frontline border officers already present at the border. With this in mind, adequately tackling ongoing border challenges rests on three key points:

  • Expanding the training capacity of the Canada Border Services Agency;
  • Increasing the number of border officers deployed at the border; and
  • Allowing border officers to fulfill their mandate at and between ports of entry, alongside the RCMP.

You and I are set to meet soon to discuss important border issues, and I look forward to reviewing the matters outlined in this letter with you in more details.

Yours truly,

Mark Weber National President

Click here for the PDF version of this letter. 

Remembering Mansel R. Legacy

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mansel R. Legacy, former National President of the Customs and Immigration Union (then Customs and Excise Union Douanes Accise), on Friday, February 28, 2025.

A proud unionist and member of the CIU Northern Ontario Branch, Mansel Legacy worked as a Customs Inspector in Sault Ste. Marie, and was at the helm of our union for fifteen years, serving as National President from 1981 to 1996 — the second person to occupy the position since the union’s creation in 1966. In his capacity as National President, Mansel was dedicated to serving and representing members from coast to coast, often travelling to meet members across Canada. This dedication to union business endured well into his retirement, as he continued to be involved as a Life Member actively participating in CIU’s triennial conventions.

A strong advocate for a safer workplace, Mansel fought for many of the tools that are now essential for frontline border personnel. He led the charge to stop the employer from forcing officers to work alone, which eventually saw the Canada Border Services Agency adopt its ‘doubling-up’ policy in 2008. Through his leadership, Mansel Legacy helped to shape the role of border personnel as an intrinsic part of Canada’s law enforcement infrastructure and laid the groundwork for our union to grow into the 21st century. It was under his presidency that our union joined the Canadian Peace Officers’ Memorial Association as a founding member, leading to the first joint Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ memorial service on Parliament Hill in 1996, to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Early during his tenure, Mansel was instrumental in bringing back the union from a financially delicate position, helping to build a strong and sustainable organization that would become the Customs and Immigration Union we know today. Following the will of the National Board of Directors, National President Legacy oversaw the purchase of the CIU National Office — still in use to this day — in 1991, marking a decisive moment in our union’s history.

We invite all our members, past and present, to join us as we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mansel’s family, friends, and former colleagues. While no service will be held at this time, a celebration of life will be taking place later this year, with details to come. Should members and friends wish to make a donation in Mansel’s memory, please donate to Diabetes Canada or the Canadian Peace Officers’ Memorial Association.

CIU PA members shine at PSAC National Bargaining Conference

Last week, CIU PA members actively participated in the latest PSAC National Treasury Board Bargaining Conference, in Montreal, QC. With all CIU PA delegates seats filled, our members played a key role in the democratic process of electing the PA bargaining team, speaking up at the microphone as the voice of CIU PA members across Canada — a true testament to our strength and solidarity.

We are especially proud to share that Victoria Lyon, from the CIU Toronto Branch, was elected as 3rd alternate to the PA bargaining team. Congratulations!

 

From left to right: Gulnaz Mirza – Steward, CIU Branch 30036, Brea Baresinkoff – CIU 2nd National Vice-President, Chair of the CIU Collective Bargaining Committee, Victoria Lyon – 3rd V.-P./V.-P. Status of Women, CIU Branch 00024, Mathieu Dubé – Steward, CIU Branch 60004

 

In addition to networking and establishing direct contact with PSAC PA members and the newly elected PA Bargaining Team, our members met with key players and shared the experiences and stories of PA members in our workplaces. They were also fortunate to meet CIU Life Member Danielle Dubuc, who offered her wisdom, guidance, and support on how to engage and mobilize members as we approach the next round of collective bargaining.

Help improve the NJC Relocation Directive

For the first time in eight years, the National Joint Council (NJC) Relocation Directive is undergoing review, with discussions set to begin this summer. This directive outlines the entitlements and support available to federal public service workers who relocate for work.

PSAC is calling on members to provide input on improvements or changes to the directive. If you’ve moved for a government job and have concerns or suggestions about the process, now is your chance to help shape the next version of the directive.

Who can participate?

PSAC members employed by Treasury Board, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Communications Security Establishment, the Office of the Auditor General, and the National Research Council may submit feedback.

If you’d like to submit a proposal, please contact your component, as all proposals must be approved and supported by an executive officer in your component union. The deadline to submit feedback is Friday, June 13, 2025.

Some agencies and departments use the Relocation Directive more than others — particularly Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. If you work for these employers, your feedback is especially important.

The National Joint Council is the forum for employers and bargaining agents to collaborate on workplace policies, including directives like this one. PSAC sits on the NJC alongside 18 other federal bargaining agents.

What happens next?

Once proposals are submitted, PSAC’s negotiations team will review and vet them along with a sub-committee of the National Board of Directors, then consolidate it with input from other NJC bargaining agents.

A final package of proposed changes will be submitted to the NJC Secretariat and negotiations will begin. The terms of this directive are negotiated separately from collective agreements.

In addition to this review, negotiations are ongoing for several other NJC directives, including those related to bilingual allowances and travel.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

PSAC serves notice to bargain with Treasury Board

This week, PSAC served notice to begin bargaining with Treasury Board on behalf of more than 125,000 federal public service workers across the country in the Program and Administrative Services (PA) and Technical Services (TC) bargaining groups.

In the coming weeks, notice to bargain will also be served for 12,000 members of the Operational Services (SV) and Education and Library Science (EB) bargaining groups.

Members are united and mobilized heading into this round of bargaining on the heels of PSAC’s historic national strike in 2023. Over the past week, more than 200 Treasury Board members gathered at the national bargaining conference in Montreal to discuss members’ priorities and elect bargaining teams for the next round of negotiations.

This marks the first step toward securing new collective agreements that recognize the critical services federal public service workers deliver for Canada.

The current collective agreements expire on the following dates:

  • PA: June 20, 2025
  • TC: June 21, 2025
  • EB: June 30, 2025
  • SV: August 4, 2025

Federal public service workers deliver essential public services that keep our country running — delivering vital programs like Employment Insurance and child care benefits, protecting our coasts and waterways, supporting our veterans, and keeping our communities safe.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Treasury Board bargaining conference kicks off to set priorities for next round

This week, PSAC members working for Treasury Board are gathering in Montreal to prepare for the next round of bargaining.

Over the next five days, delegates representing the Program and Administrative Services (PA), Technical Services (TC), Operational Services (SV), and Education and Library Science (EB) bargaining groups will review and prioritize demands submitted by members that will shape negotiations for more than 120,000 federal public service workers.

With collective agreements set to expire in 2025, this conference is a crucial step toward securing fair wages and better working conditions. Delegates will also elect the bargaining teams to bring these priorities to the table with Treasury Board.

This year’s conference builds on the momentum of our historic 2023 strike, which demonstrated the power of collective action.

Shaping the next contract

The work done at the bargaining conference this week will set the foundation for the next round of negotiations.

Over the past several months, more than 20,000 PSAC members participated in our bargaining survey, sharing their priorities for the next round of negotiations. Members also took part in town halls to learn about the bargaining process and what makes a strong bargaining demand, ultimately submitting bargaining proposals for consideration. Delegates will now discuss and refine proposals to ensure the strongest possible demands are put forward at the table.

Every member has a role to play in supporting the bargaining process. By working together, we can continue to push for improvements that benefit all federal public service workers.

Stay tuned for more bargaining updates from the conference as we move forward with the next round of negotiations.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

Your guide to workforce adjustment protections

The federal government’s Refocusing Government Spending Initiative has outlined $15 billion in public service cuts over the next four years, leaving thousands of workers uncertain about their future.

Recent announcements, such as the loss of 3,300 jobs at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the termination of 600 contract workers at the Canada Revenue Agency, are just the beginning. As federal departments move forward with mandated cuts, PSAC is committed to ensuring members have the resources they need to navigate potential workforce adjustment situations.

The Workforce Adjustment Guide is an essential resource to help members understand their rights and protections when changes to the workforce, including layoffs, are being contemplated. It is designed to reduce uncertainty, provide clarity, and empower members to make informed decisions.

Download the guide

The WFA Guide explains the processes that govern workforce adjustment. Whether you are directly affected or want to stay informed, the guide outlines:

  • Employers and employee responsibilities under the Workforce Adjustment Appendix.
  • Steps to navigate workforce adjustment scenarios, including layoffs, relocations, and alternative delivery initiatives.
  • Options available to workers, such as the guarantee of a reasonable job offer, voluntary departure programs, and the alternation process.

Printed copies are available by request from your PSAC regional office.

Download the guide

Facing workforce adjustment may be one of the most stressful experiences in your career. The WFA Guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate this process while highlighting the protections PSAC has negotiated on your behalf.

If you have questions or need assistance with workforce adjustment, contact your local representative, PSAC regional office or PSAC component for support.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

“Blackhawk helicopters and drones are not enough to stop criminals” : Singh and Masse to Minister McGuinty

Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democrats and Brian Masse, MP for Windsor West and New Democrat Critic for Industry, Canada-U.S. Border Relations and the Great Lakes, sent the following letter to David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety of Canada, as well as to Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance of Canada and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board of Canada on February 6, 2025.

Dear Minister McGuinty,

Following your press conference in Winnipeg, where you met with CBSA officers and re-announced the government’s border plan, we want to express disappointment that – while the $1.3 billion border fund is needed – there has been no progress whatsoever in hiring more border officers or providing them with further tools and supports to do their jobs. Border officers have been detailing the need for more officers and supports since before your government was first elected in 2015.

New Democrats have long supported our frontline border officers, working closely with the Customs Immigration Union (CIU) for decades. Despite the growing importance of border security, Canada’s border officers were not consulted on the government’s new border plans. They are the most knowledgeable about issues like cross-border crime, drug and gun trafficking, and irregular migration – yet their expertise has been overlooked by successive governments, including yours.

Our party has repeatedly called on your government to open a CBSA training facility in Windsor, Ontario to quickly address the staffing shortage caused by the Harper Government’s cuts in 2012. As you remember, they cut 1,100 border officers with detrimental effects at our ports of entry across Canada. Some ports of entry were closed, and others shifted to limited hours. K9 units were slashed, and the intelligence unit lost nearly half its agents. The current training facility in Rigaud, Quebec restricts the amount of border officers for training. Windsor can support a new facility almost immediately, and it’s desperately needed.

To make matters worse, border officers have had not been treated equally with other law enforcement agencies over the years. A 1932 Order-in-Council (OIC) continues restricting border officers from responding to incidents between ports of entry. Your government can easily overturn this OIC allowing officers the choice to act or respond to crime- in-progress and perform their duties within the laws that govern them. How can you claim to be keeping borders secure while preventing them from doing so?

Additionally, your government has promised legislation for the “25 and out” pension plan, which would align border officers with other law enforcement agencies, allowing them to retire after 25 years of service without pension reduction. We urge you to fulfill this commitment through an OIC since Parliament remains prorogued. Our officers deserve this benefit now considering they have been overworked for over a decade to accommodate understaffing issues.

Given the current border threats and potential tariffs, now is the time to rebuild our border workforce and provide the necessary resources to officers to effectively tackle crime. Blackhawk helicopters and drones do not stop criminals and crimes in progress, border officers do. Sadly, there simply aren’t enough of them.

Minister, we must hire more frontline officers, expand their authority to operate between ports of entry, and honour the promises made to them regarding pension reform. New Democrats will not stop fighting for our border officers and we urge your government to act swiftly on these requests, showing them the respect and appreciation for keeping Canadians safe every day. We look forward to your positive response and action on this request.

Yours truly,

Jagmeet Singh MP NDP Leader

Brian Masse MP NDP Critic for Industry, Automotive issues, Canada-US Border and Great Lakes

Click here for the PDF version of this letter.

Black History Month 2025

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and recommit to building a future rooted in justice and equity. Black history is Canadian history. It is woven into the very fabric of Canada’s identity and progress.

The United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions and challenges of Black communities worldwide. In Canada, the federal government has extended its efforts until 2028 to better understand and support Black communities, address systemic barriers, and amplify Black voices.

Society often reduces the Black experience to one of struggle or celebrates Black culture while ignoring the burden forced upon Black shoulders. We must recognize, confront and remedy Canada’s racist past and present – from the destruction of Africville in Halifax to the ongoing Black Class Action lawsuit targeting systemic racism in the federal public service. True recognition means rejecting the myth that racism doesn’t exist in Canada. It is alive, pervasive and woven into every facet of society.

Of the 45,000 class members included in the Black Class Action lawsuit, PSAC is the certified bargaining agent for the largest contingent of workers. We are committed to supporting their pursuit of justice for enduring decades of anti-Black racism while working in the federal public service. PSAC has contributed $270,000 to date, to help the Black Class Action Secretariat with legal fees and public relations efforts, ensuring Black public service workers receive the reparations they deserve.

For Black History Month, PSAC proudly honours the rich history and contributions of Black workers and communities. PSAC is committed to fostering inclusive environments where Black people feel valued, supported, and safe.

PSAC is proud to sponsor members attending the 4th National Black Canadians Summit – a space by and for Black Canadians to convene, celebrate achievements, discuss winning strategies, explore local and national projects, and empower leaders.

Throughout Black History Month educate yourself on the real history of Black people in Canada, from the historic adversity they have overcome, to their current successes and fights for justice. Let’s celebrate Black culture, Black joy, and Black excellence in all its diversity – not only this month, but all year round.

Here are some grassroots Black community organizations to connect with across Canada:

  • Fondation Dynastie (QC) – This bilingual foundation aims to make lasting transformations to the cultural, artistic and media industries, ensuring better representation of Black communities in Quebec. It provides professional development programming to support and guide people of African descent working in culture, arts and media.
  • Black Queer Youth Collective (ON) – Their goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for Black Queer youth, Black Trans youth, and those questioning their identity. They allow youth to connect, reflect on their life experiences within Black communities, and improve their self-esteem by equipping them with the tools, confidence, and leadership opportunities.
  • Federation of Black Canadians (ON) – A national, non-profit organization, driven by Black organizations across the country, whose mission is to advance the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent, by discussing opportunities, contributions, and challenges that exist for them.
  • Black Canadian Women in Action (AL-SK) – A bilingual charity committed to making a difference in the lives of families in Black Canadian communities living in Western Canada. Their vision is to promote the empowerment of Black Canadian women, girls and families in all sectors of society by building self-esteem, leadership and confidence through conferences, workshops, programs, etc. They promote cultural activities specific to Black communities, which gives a sense of belonging. They also value building bridges, partnerships and collaborations with other communities.
  • Black Educators Association (NS) – The BEA is a volunteer, non-profit organization. Their mission is to assist African Nova Scotian communities develop strategies toward an equitable education system. This association has programs for children and youth and for adults, which include communications, maths, Black History – African Nova Scotian Studies, GED preparation, and a series of essential skills, such as reading text, working with others or digital skills, to name a few.
  • Unity Centre Association for Black Cultures (BC) – A registered non‐profit organization that is designed to unify, promote and integrate Black cultures into Canadian society. The UCABC has established a Black cultural centre to educate the community on the contribution of Black people in BC, provide support services to children, youth, seniors and newcomers, and host celebratory community events.
  • Black Advocacy Coalition upNorth (NWT) – A non-profit, Black-led organization based in Yellowknife with membership across the Northwest Territories. Their vision is to empower and advocate for the advancement of racial justice and equity for all Black peoples residing in Canada’s North.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

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