Canada Border Services welcomed 31 new recruits at an official ceremony marking the end of their training. Present at the event, David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, congratulated the recruits, emphasizing the importance of the work of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Maurizio Mannarino, Director General of the CBSA College, and CBSA President Erin O'Gorman also praised the efforts of both cohorts of recruits. Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, was also present at the ceremony.

The new officers, from the C-333 and C-334 classes, completed an intensive 18-week program, comprising four weeks of virtual training and fourteen weeks of face-to-face training at the CBSA College.

Awards for outstanding performance

Three recruits particularly distinguished themselves during their training and were rewarded for their outstanding performances. 

Mithulan Pararajasingam received the Academic Excellence Award for her outstanding results. 

Myka-Elle Fournier distinguished herself by winning the award for excellence in tactical training, testifying to her mastery of the skills required in the field.

Finally, Jenna O'Neil was honored with the Excellence in Leadership award, recognizing her ability to guide and inspire her colleagues throughout the program.

Interviewed by Neomedia, David J. McGuinty said he was impressed by the quality of this new cohort and confident in their ability to protect the border. “It's inspiring to see so many talented young people from such an incredible diversity representing Canada. The challenges they'll face are major, but with the training they've received here, I know they're very well prepared.”

A visit to the Centre for Canine Expertise

Following the ceremony, David J. McGuinty and Peter Schiefke visited the Border Services College's Canine Expertise Centre. 

They attended a demonstration featuring a detector dog, illustrating the crucial role of these specialized units in the fight against smuggling and border threats.

Every year, some twenty dogs are trained and deployed across the country to reinforce security at border crossings. 

Recruitment challenges amid border tensions

During a press scrum, the Minister of Public Safety was asked about the shortage of border services personnel. 

He was keen to reassure the public of Canada's ability to secure its borders. “We must not forget that some 10,000 people are involved in border protection, including border officers, members of the RCMP, the Sûreté du Québec, the Ontario Provincial Police and other police forces across the country.”

He also noted that recruitment is actively ongoing, supported by additional funding for the CBSA. “There is no shortage of applicants: border services is perceived as an interesting and rewarding career.”

Finally, he emphasized the strength of the Canada-U.S. border security relationship. “Cooperation between Canada and the United States is strong. We share intelligence and work together to ensure national security.”