Arming Canadian Border Guards

The Canadian government has begun the process that will eventually arm all 4800 or so Canadian border service officers at both land and marine ports of entry to Canada. About 100 border guards will have completed firearms training by the end of August, 250 to 300 by March 2008, and the full complement of 4800 within the next 10 years.

The jobs of border guards have become more and more dangerous and there has been concern for the safety of Canadian border guards for a long time. Arming the border guards won't change their role; they will still be responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate trade and travel across the border. But once they are armed, the guards will be in a better position to deal with potentially dangerous situations, increasing both their own safety and the security of the Canadian border.

More About the Canadian Border
Billion Dollar Border Guards
Canada - U.S. Border Insecurity
Canada Customs and Border Services
Apply to be a Border Services Officer - Public Service Commission
Canadian Border Wait Times - Canada Border Services Agency