Canada Border Services Agency

On 12 December 2003, the Government announced the creation of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Essentially, the CBSA comprises the Customs programme, formerly with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, the intelligence, interdiction and enforcement functions, formerly with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the passenger and initial import inspection services at ports of entry, formerly with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

CBSA's Immigration Intelligence network is involved in the planning, collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence regarding threats to the integrity of Canada's immigration, visitor, refugee, and citizenship programmes. The Immigration Intelligence network also promotes interoperability and information sharing with CBSA's partners in the wider intelligence and law enforcement community.

The CBSA Immigration Intelligence network is composed of the NHQ Immigration Intelligence Branch, Migration Integrity Officers at posts abroad, and Regional Immigration Intelligence units in Canada. This network is also responsible for assisting visa officers and immigration officers in determining the admissibility of persons seeking to enter or remain in Canada.

Click here to visit the Canada Border Services Agency official website.

Resources

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Crackdown is cosmetic, Canada still vulnerable to aviation terrorism, expert says
Pre-emptive security is what you need. You need to be anticipating who's going to be doing what. That's what good intelligence is about. Canada's aviation security system lags far behind many other developed nations.
HTML | Published: 2009-12-26 | Added: 2010-01-09

Under U.S. pressure, Canada toils in secret on complex air screening system
In sharp contrast to the splashy announcement of see-through airport scanners, officials have been quietly toiling in the shadows on the complex system, which involves input from the Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, CSIS and RCMP.
HTML | Published: 2010-01-08 | Added: 2010-01-09

What Israel can teach us about security
In Israel, a coordinated intelligence gathering operation produces a constantly evolving series of threat analyses and vulnerability studies. There is absolutely no intelligence and threat analysis done in Canada or the United States.
HTML | Published: 2009-12-31 | Added: 2010-01-09

Canada carries out military exercises in Arctic
A record number of civilian agencies, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Canadian Border Services Agency, are also participating, Millar said.
HTML | Published: 2008-08-26 | Added: 2009-02-02

CBSA: Americans' personal guns account for vast majority of border seizures
"Most of the firearms seized by CBSA at the land ports of entry are the personal firearms of legitimate U.S. travellers who neglected - intentionally or not - to declare their personal firearms," says the agency's strategic intelligence analysis  [...]
HTML | Published: 2008-07-06 | Added: 2008-07-07

Border guns for tourists
Internal reports from Canada Border Services Agency's Strategic Intelligence Analysis division record 662 seizures of machine guns, rifles, antique weapons, revolvers and pistols last year -- up from 509 in 2006.
HTML | Published: 2008-05-19 | Added: 2008-06-08

U.S.-Canada border is a security nightmare
Law enforcement officials say the presence of suspected terrorists in Canada is a worry, and they share intelligence on the threat daily.
HTML | Published: 2007-11-07 | Added: 2007-11-25

34-year terrorist specialist allegedly misused classified information
A Toronto immigration intelligence officer has been fired for allegedly misusing classified government information. An internal investigation and audit have been launched into the alleged conflict of interest within the intelligence unit of CBSA.
HTML | Published: 2007-08-08 | Added: 2007-08-12

Integrating terrorism intelligence resources
Nine departments are represented in ITAC: the Privy Council Office, Foreign Affairs Canada, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, National Defence, Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, CSE, CSIS and the RCMP.
HTML | Published: 2007-02-24 | Added: 2007-02-24

Canadians to face more pre-flight scrutiny
The RCMP and CSIS will be able to examine up to 34 pieces of information about everyone who flies in Canada under a comprehensive passenger screening program being developed by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada.
HTML | Published: 2007-01-24 | Added: 2007-01-24

Arar inquiry urges more scrutiny of Canada's intelligence activities
The Maher Arar inquiry has unfurled blueprints for a stronger, more co-ordinated family of watchdogs to keep an eye on the RCMP and other federal security organizations. Justice Dennis O'Connor suggests better scrutiny of the intelligence community.
HTML | Published: 2006-12-12 | Added: 2007-01-03

O'Connor recommends more oversight of RCMP, CSIS
The report stopped short of recommending a review super agency, as some experts expected, instead opting for a pair of bodies that will monitor the RCMP, CSIS and five other agencies involved with national security.
HTML | Published: 2006-12-13 | Added: 2007-01-03

Super-watchdog over Mounties could emerge from bungled Arar case
A super-watchdog to help keep tabs on the RCMP and other players in the intelligence world could emerge from the bungling that marked the Maher Arar affair.
HTML | Published: 2006-12-08 | Added: 2006-12-10

Twelve held in Canada terror raid
The RCMP and other government security agencies, including intelligence and border security, have been conducting a lengthy investigation involving 400 people - the largest of its kind in Canada.
HTML | Published: 2006-06-03 | Added: 2006-06-03

National security organizations open up on racial profiling, 'secret police'
Fears about racial profiling, secret evidence and abuse of power were at the forefront of a discussion between Edmontonians and Canadian security organizations. Representatives from CSIS, the RCMP and CBSA met with about 50 members of the public.
HTML | Published: 2006-05-29 | Added: 2006-05-30

Big planes mean big security headaches
According to several Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intelligence reports, high-capacity planes running complicated routes are making it easier for dangerous people to sneak into the country illegally.
HTML | Published: 2006-05-08 | Added: 2006-05-08

Canada spy agency says it disrupted suspected terror cell
Canadian intelligence officials confirmed that authorities busted up a small suspected terrorist cell in Toronto, including an Algerian man they allege is an explosives expert trained by al Qaeda.
HTML | Published: 2005-11-03 | Added: 2005-11-03

Bomb found in van at border
Windsor police have launched a criminal investigation into the discovery of an apparent homemade bomb under the hood of a van driven by a Canada Border Services Agency intelligence officer.
HTML | Published: 2005-10-22 | Added: 2005-10-24

Human-smugglers prefer Canada, study finds
Almost 12 per cent of people who arrived in Canada without proper documents during a six-year period were directly linked to a smuggler or escort, a federal intelligence study reveals.
HTML | Published: 2005-05-01 | Added: 2005-05-03

U.S. laments lack of information from Canada on suspected terrorist dealings
Canadian laws are dogging efforts to catch terrorists and other criminals trying to sneak large sums of money across the U.S. border, a new report says. The laws hamper the flow of information "that may be critical" to terrorist-financing  [...]
HTML | Published: 2005-03-16 | Added: 2005-03-28

McLellan defends reach, scope of anti-terror law
Canada's anti-terror law needs only "fine-tuning" because it strikes "the right balance" between protecting national security and civil liberties, says Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan.
HTML | Published: 2005-02-15 | Added: 2005-02-16

Secret data-sharing network to be developed to deal with crises
The network would build on existing systems to allow agencies to trade briefs about terrorist and criminal threats, and would prove particularly useful for the "quick and secure transfer of data" during an actual catastrophe.
HTML | Published: 2005-01-13 | Added: 2005-01-19

Canada on alert for Bush visit
The Sun story quoted unnamed airport officials as saying that the alert resulted from increased "intelligence chatter" and that the bulletin ordered immigration agents to "refer all holders of Saudi passports for further inspection."
HTML | Published: 2004-11-23 | Added: 2004-11-28

Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Establish the Canada Border Services Agency
The CBSA brings together key border security and intelligence functions previously carried out by three Government of Canada organizations.
HTML | Published: 2004-11-23 | Added: 2004-11-28

There's no safety in these numbers
This week it was announced that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - which is responsible for customs and border security - would also be subject to the 5% cuts.
HTML | Published: 2004-10-30 | Added: 2004-11-01

Canada and the United States strengthen partnerships to tackle cross-border crime
Canada and U.S. law enforcement intelligence officers from Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETs) will now be co-located at two locations in Canada and two locations in the United States to share intelligence on a daily basis.
HTML | Published: 2004-10-22 | Added: 2004-10-24

Experts push for security review
The federal government and the public should be engaged in the very debates conducted at the conference concerning methods of intelligence gathering and Canada's role in international operations.
HTML | Published: 2004-10-17 | Added: 2004-10-19

Organized crime boom prompts immigration rejections
An internal government memo, prepared by the Immigration Department's intelligence branch, reveals that more than 800 people with ties to organized crime were booted out of Canada or denied entry to the country during a recent three-year period.
HTML | Published: 2004-07-29 | Added: 2004-07-29

Fewer refugees seeking asylum inside Canada
That gap was widest in January and February, when claims were down by nearly 40%, according to a recent intelligence digest prepared by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
HTML | Published: 2004-06-18 | Added: 2004-06-21

Tories to create new security bodies: document
An internal party document obtained by the French-language service of CBC suggests the Conservatives want to set up a U.S.-style national intelligence agency to manage information from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP.
HTML | Published: 2004-06-12 | Added: 2004-06-12

UN slams Canada over assassin
Ahani came to Canada in 1991 and made a refugee claim, but he was arrested in 1993 after an investigation by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) found he was working for Iran's intelligence service, MOIS.
HTML | Published: 2004-06-09 | Added: 2004-06-12

Canada Revenue Agency - Name Change
On December 12, 2003, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) became the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The customs program is now part of the new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
LINK | Published: 2004-01-30 | Added: 2004-05-01

Martin to roll out ambitious national security policy
The policy will canvass six areas: improving intelligence gathering capacity, emergency planning, public health, transportation (marine) security, border security and international security.
HTML | Published: 2004-04-24 | Added: 2004-04-26

Ottawa plans $500m security fix
The Liberal government will spend $500-million on a new national security policy to close significant gaps in Canada's intelligence and security apparatus.
HTML | Published: 2004-04-22 | Added: 2004-04-26

Supporters of alleged Moroccan terrorist accuse Ottawa of hiding a key report
The Canada Border Services Agency rejected claims the government tried to cover up the existence of the report which says that Adil Charkaoui faces "a probability of torture, threats to his life and cruel and unusual punishment" if he's deported.
HTML | Published: 2004-04-06 | Added: 2004-04-21

Fraser report sounds security alarm
Canada has ignored the lessons from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by bungling efforts to keep terrorists out and allowing as many as 4,500 workers possibly linked to organized crime a free rein at airports, Auditor-General Sheila Fraser says.
HTML | Published: 2004-03-31 | Added: 2004-04-14

Le Canada a-t-il besoin d'un service de renseignement de style CIA?
Un groupe de spécialistes de l'espionnage s'apprêterait à soulever la question de savoir si oui ou non le Canada devrait se doter d'un service de renseignement étranger du style de la CIA américaine.
HTML | Published: 2004-03-24 | Added: 2004-03-24

Panel ponders CIA-style spy service for Canada
A panel of senior spymasters is quietly mulling the vexing question of whether Canada should create a CIA-style foreign intelligence service.
HTML | Published: 2004-03-24 | Added: 2004-03-24

Security chief fears for Canadian flights
Canada continues to receive specific terrorist threats against Canadian flights and urgently needs expanded powers to gather more information on airline passengers, says Prime Minister Paul Martin's top national security adviser.
HTML | Published: 2004-02-24 | Added: 2004-02-25

Abusing our welcome
Certainly not the RCMP, whose intelligence assessment last year effectively summarized the U.S. concerns, saying that "terrorists and organized crime groups may exploit flaws in migration controls to blend into and recruit from immigrant communities and  [...]
HTML | Published: 2004-02-18 | Added: 2004-02-19

Canada Border Services Agency
Official site of the Canada Border Services Agency.
LINK | Published: 2004-01-01 | Added: 2004-02-07

Immigration Intelligence - Case Screening
One of the core functions of CBSA's Immigration Intelligence network is helping to screen immigrants, refugees, and visitors in order to prevent inadmissible persons from entering or remaining in Canada.
LINK | Published: 2004-01-28 | Added: 2004-02-07

Immigration Intelligence - Irregular Migration
The Immigration Intelligence network is an important element in CBSA's strategy for dealing with irregular migration to Canada. This strategy relies on "intelligence-based" decision making to identify high-risk travellers while facilitating the movement  [...]
LINK | Published: 2004-01-28 | Added: 2004-02-07

Immigration Intelligence - Overview
CBSA's Immigration Intelligence network is involved in the planning, collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence regarding threats to the integrity of Canada's immigration, visitor, refugee, and citizenship programs.
LINK | Published: 2004-01-28 | Added: 2004-02-07

Directory of the Canada Border Services Agency
Government electronic directory of the staff at the Canada Border Services Agency.
LINK | Published: 2001-01-01 | Added: 2004-02-06

Directory of the Contraband and Intelligence Services Directorate
Government electronic directory of the staff at the Contraband and Intelligence Services Directorate of Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
LINK | Published: 2001-01-01 | Added: 2004-02-06

Directory of the Intelligence Branch
Government electronic directory of the staff at the Intelligence Branch of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
LINK | Published: 2001-01-01 | Added: 2004-02-06

Public Safety ministry combines several agencies
Taking a cue from the United States, the federal government has created an overarching public security ministry to help Canada deal with everything from terrorist threats to natural disasters.
HTML | Published: 2003-12-12 | Added: 2004-02-06

The Missing Agency: The Case for a Canadian Foreign Intelligence Service
The focus of this dissertation lies on the controversial statement that Canada needs to create a foreign intelligence agency. It addresses the issue of why Ottawa chose not to establish a CFIS in the first place. It also answers how Canada collects  [...]
PDF | Published: 2002-11-15 | Added: 2004-01-25

The Missing Agency: The Case for a Canadian Foreign Intelligence Service, 2nd Edition
This is the second edition of a dissertation which focus lies on the controversial statement that Canada needs to create a foreign intelligence agency. It addresses the issue of why Ottawa chose not to establish a CFIS in the first place. It also  [...]
PDF | Published: 2003-02-09 | Added: 2004-01-25

The Role of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in Immigration Security Screening
The main objective of this study is to present and understand the role of the CSIS in the Canadian immigration process. This objective is reached through the analysis of the mandate given to the CSIS by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration  [...]
PDF | Published: 1999-12-17 | Added: 2004-01-25

Air travellers face screening
The Canadian government is spending millions of dollars on a program to assess the terrorist risk posed by air travellers. The project aims to develop a sophisticated risk scoring capability and the technical ability to share that information with the  [...]
HTML | Published: 2004-01-17 | Added: 2004-01-18

Creation of the Canada Border Services Agency
On December 12, 2003, the Government announced the creation of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It will comprise the Customs program, the intelligence, interdiction and enforcement functions, formerly with CIC, and the passenger and initial  [...]
LINK | Published: 2003-12-12 | Added: 2004-01-18

Creation of the Canada Border Services Agency
On December 12, 2003, the Government announced the creation of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It will comprise the Customs program, the intelligence, interdiction and enforcement functions, formerly with CIC, and the passenger and initial  [...]
LINK | Published: 2003-12-12 | Added: 2004-01-18

New Structural Changes to the Government of Canada
The new Martin Government has initiated significant structural changes in Canadian Government Operations.
LINK | Published: 2004-01-01 | Added: 2004-01-18

Order Transferring Certain Portions from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration to the Canada Border Services Agency
Her Excellency the Governor General in Council hereby transfers to the Canada Border Services Agency the control and supervision of the following portions of the public service in the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.
LINK | Published: 2003-12-31 | Added: 2004-01-18

Order Transferring Certain Portions from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration to the Canada Border Services Agency
Her Excellency the Governor General in Council hereby transfers to the Canada Border Services Agency the control and supervision of the following portions of the public service in the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.
LINK | Published: 2003-12-31 | Added: 2004-01-18

Wesley Wark
With remarkable stealth, Paul Martin and his team developed, and have now unveiled, a surprising and ambitious security agenda. It will take some time to feel its full impact, but Mr. Martin clearly intends to address the many deficiencies in Canada's  [...]
HTML | Published: 2003-12-17 | Added: 2003-12-22

Changes to Government
The Government of Canada must play a fundamental role in securing the public health and safety of Canadians, while ensuring that all Canadians continue to enjoy the benefits of an open society. The government will achieve these goals by making the  [...]
LINK | Published: 2003-12-12 | Added: 2003-12-12

Pakistani detainee ordered deported
A Pakistani man being investigated as a possible member of an al-Qaeda sleeper cell was ordered deported yesterday after admitting he obtained his Canadian student visa through misrepresentation.
HTML | Published: 2003-09-13 | Added: 2003-09-14

Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Official site of Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
LINK | Published: 1901-01-01 | Added: 2003-09-09

CIC's Role in Public Safety
While our department had an intelligence function before September 11, CIC has formalized this function within the Intelligence Branch to provide a focal point for intelligence gathering, analysis, and the sharing of intelligence on immigration cases  [...]
LINK | Published: 2002-09-05 | Added: 2003-09-09

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Official site of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
LINK | Published: 1901-01-01 | Added: 2003-09-09

National Press Club Newsmaker Breakfast
My Report focuses on the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency’s new "Big Brother" passenger database; the provisions of Bill C-17, the Public Safety Act; the "Lawful Access" proposals to enhance state powers to monitor our communications; the proposal for a  [...]
LINK | Published: 2003-01-30 | Added: 2003-01-30

Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program
In response to the events of September 11, 2001, CIC has restructured its intelligence activities and created a new Intelligence Branch. This restructuring is intended to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of CIC's intelligence activities.
LINK | Published: 2002-10-11 | Added: 2002-12-19

Government Response to the Report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration
The creation this spring of the Intelligence Branch will improve CIC's ability to support the expanded role of immigration control officers. CIC will use threat and risk analyses to identify up front where it should apply resources. CIC is in the process  [...]
LINK | Published: 2002-11-01 | Added: 2002-12-19

September 11, 2001: A Year Later
The events of September 11 made all countries aware of the importance of sharing intelligence information. While our department had an intelligence function before September 11, an Intelligence Branch was recently created to provide a focal point for  [...]
HTML | Published: 2002-09-05 | Added: 2002-12-19

Budget 2001: Enhancing Security for Canadians
Budget 2001 builds on the Government’s long-term plan for a stronger economy and a more secure society, but it also responds to immediate economic and security concerns.
LINK | Published: 2001-12-10 | Added: 2002-07-18

Lien entre un professeur et un groupe terroriste
Les responsables du ministère de la Citoyenneté et de l'Immigration ont établi un lien entre un professeur de biologie vivant au Canada depuis 1996 et un groupe terroriste égyptien faisant partie du réseau d'Osama bin Laden.
JPG | Published: 1999-05-23 | Added: 1999-05-23