Canadian government moves to formalize border security agency

Canadian government moves to formalize border security agency    The Canadian House of Commons has introduced legislation that will formalize the Canada Border Services Agency.
   The Canadian government first announced its intention to create the agency in December 2003. The new agency brings together the operations of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
   Under the proposed legislation, announced Nov. 23, the new border agency would administer and enforce about 90 domestic acts and regulations, as well as international agreements that govern trade and travel.
   The operations of the Canada Border Services Agency covers 1,369 service points across Canada and 39 locations overseas. The agency serves more than 170,000 commercial importers annually.