The Canadian immigration union said cuts to border security could result in an increase in the number of criminals entering into Canada. The Saskatchewan government recently decided to reduce the strength of the border security forces. The 2012 federal budget cut $143 million from the border service agency. As a result, the provinces are taking adequate measures to coordinate with these changes. However, some worry that these cuts, including closing or automation of crossings could prove to be detrimental for the overall security of the nation.
photo: http://pm.gc.ca
Brea Lewis, customs and immigration union branch president for Saskatchewan commented saying that the province would soon become a hub of smuggling and human trafficking in Canada. She said this was a wrong move by the provincial government and the union is working to stop these cuts. In addition to this, the union is also trying to restore all the 19 drug dog teams at border crossings. So far, the union has been able to achieve decent results as four Canadian detector dog teams are back on job including a drug dog team at North Portal.
According to reports, the union is working hard to get all the drug dog teams rehired and terminate the elimination of four intelligence officers from the Prairie Border crossing in the province. While the government is introducing various reforms to keep illegal immigration and human trafficking in check, the Saskatchewan government is encouraging such criminal practices by cutting down the border security forces. Lewis said that intelligence officers are their puzzle solvers and their expulsion could hinder the investigation process.
Canada is currently going through a major labor crisis and immigration seems to be the only possible option to cater to the immense labor demands under the skilled trade category. Experts believe that this would eventually affect Canada’s image as an immigrant friendly nation. The immigration union is worried that crime will increase if this happens. On the other hand, it would not be possible to check criminal offences such as human smuggling, drug smuggling and smuggling of firearms if the human resources are reduced.
Today, Canada requires more human resources to satisfy the country’s needs. On the contrary, the government’s decision to cut the funds for border security has forced the provincial government to take such steps. While some say that it was necessary to reduce the expenditure considering the nation’s economic scenario, others feel that a national security should not be compromised in the name of economic slowdown. According to sources, a total of 325 service officials will be cut.
Brea Lewis also said the Canadian border service agency (CBSA) is not providing more information regarding the cuts and how they might work in the long run. She said the biggest concern is the confidentiality surrounding the whole procedure. The agencies and the people of Canada have the right to know every fact. In spite of all the controversies, the provincial government has not announced any sort of reconsideration of the decision.
