Canada increases border resources

Canada increases border resources The Canadian government announced an additional C$433 million ($356 million) over five years to fund the Canada Border Services Agency’s programs and back office support functions.
   The money will allow the agency to hire an additional 270 border officers as well as provide permanent funding for customs service at Pearson International Airport in Toronto and programs such as the U.S.-Canadian Free and Secure Trade program that expedites border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk truck drivers, carriers and importers.
   The budget also provides $134 million to deploy Canadian officers at U.S. ports to help inspect containers bound for Canada as part of the Container Security Initiative, a reciprocal program designed to catch terrorist-related shipments before they arrive at their destination, and to allow CBSA to provide assistance to government marine security initiatives.