Civil Society Groups Advocate for Strong Border Agency Oversight
Civil society organizations are urging for a robust oversight mechanism for Canada’s border agency to address concerns of abuse and mistreatment
Canada, Border Agency, Civil Society, Oversight, Human Rights
OTTAWA: The push for a new independent review body to oversee Canada’s border agency is gaining traction. But there are still worries about how effective this watchdog will really be.
Once it’s up and running, people who feel mistreated by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) can file complaints with the Public Complaints and Review Commission. This is a big step for travelers and immigration detainees alike.
The CBSA has a huge job, managing millions of travelers and shipments every year. They collect and analyze a lot of information at borders, airports, and seaports. But their power is significant; they can stop people for questioning, take samples, and even detain or arrest without a warrant.
Right now, complaints are handled internally by the agency. Other bodies, like the courts and privacy commissioner, look into various issues, but there’s never been a dedicated independent review body for the CBSA.
The new commission will also keep an eye on the RCMP. It’s building on the existing review body for the national police, which is a good start.
People can complain about the conduct of border officers or the service they receive. The commission will also look into complaints from detainees in CBSA facilities, which is a crucial aspect.
What’s exciting is that this commission can conduct systemic reviews of both the CBSA and RCMP activities. Civil liberties and human rights organizations can also file complaints, which adds another layer of accountability.
Groups advocating for civil rights are optimistic about this increased scrutiny. They want to ensure that the commission doesn’t just handle individual complaints but also looks into patterns of abuse. It’s about making sure serious issues are addressed.
Tim McSorley from the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group emphasizes the need to go beyond individual cases. He hopes discussions with federal officials will clarify how the new commission will work alongside other oversight bodies.
The government is investing $112 million over five years to set this up, which shows they’re serious about it. Public Safety Canada is already working on getting the commission started, but there’s no official launch date yet.
McCrorie, the CBSA’s vice-president, welcomes this move towards transparency. He pointed out that the Canadian Red Cross has been monitoring conditions at immigration holding centers for a while now, which is a positive example.
He mentioned that the agency is ready to work with the new watchdog and show Canadians how well they’re managing things. It’s all about building trust and ensuring accountability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 10, 2025.
Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press