Organization’s Role in Public Safety

Created on December 12, 2003, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operates as an agency under the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (PSEP) portfolio.

The Agency is responsible for providing integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities and facilitate the free flow of persons and goods, including animals and plants, that meet all requirements under the program legislation. (Taken from the proposed Bill C-26, An Act to establish the Canada Border Services Agency )

Key Public Safety Activities

• ensure that all people coming into Canada are admissible and comply with Canadian laws and regulations;
• process all commercial shipments that cross our ports of entry to ensure that Canada's border laws and regulations are adhered to, that no illegal goods enter or leave the country, and that related trade statistics are accurate;
• make sure all applicable duties and taxes are paid;
• ensure food safety and plant and animal health, by identifying and interdicting high-risk regulated commodities arriving at our air, land and sea ports;
• detain those who may pose a threat to Canada;
• remove people who have been determined inadmissible to our country, including those involved in war crimes or crimes against humanity; and
• assist in combating money laundering.

With a workforce of approximately 12,000 public servants, CBSA provides services at approximately 1,200 points across Canada and 39 locations abroad. We administer more than 90 acts and regulations on behalf of other federal departments and agencies, and international agreements.

Contact Information
Website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/menu-e.html