Union predicts delays as Canada Border Services imposes cutbacks

[CHIMO]

Source: CBC News

The Canadian Border Services Agency is cutting back on overtime staffing across the country just as the United States is increasing its border security measures, sparking concerns among Canadian employees.

The move will mean certain delays for people entering Canada, the union representing border workers said Wednesday.

"The public can certainly expect a longer waiting time to get through," said Jean-Pierre Fortin, vice-president of the Customs and Immigration Union.

The agency has cut back on its staffing budget, meaning workers at land and airport border control points will no longer be allowed to work overtime during peak periods.


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/04/29/montreal-border-0429.html

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Last Updated: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 3:15 PM ET

So folks, if you are planning a trip to the North this year, be prepared for a wait.

[KT2000]

1. Good for them

The US just crapped on them with the passport requirement to get back into the US from Canada. What this means is that tourists will not be entering Canada unless they prepare well in advance. The community where I live has tourists who arrive during the summer and the town is such a pit that tourists will often head to Canada on a ferry. That option will be out and Canada will lose out on that tourist trade.

[ConcernedCanuk]

2. USA building walls for it's neighbors - Cuba was first with the embargo

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Mexico with physical walls and fences,

Canada with paper.

What next?

USA should just invade and move to Australia, then they wouldn't have to bother with all this border concern.

OR

The USA could start to be "nice" . . .

naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh,

never happen

(sigh)

[CHIMO]

3. You

Have the wrong country in this case.

It is Canada that will be holding up things at the border.

[ConcernedCanuk]

5. Canada Customs behavior at the border is a direct response of US actions and demands

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The Patriot Act and the USA's anal Homeland Security policies are what is driving the changes on both sides of the border.

Canada had no intentions/concerns to "beef up" security along a border that is supposed to be between two of the friendliest nations on earth.

Times change, sadly not often for the better . .

(sigh)

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

4. Canada Customs is a frat house

Canada Customs is something that has to be seen to be believed, I don't know how this agency recruits but it appears the average age of a Canada Customs officer is 22. I swear the kids who work Canada Customs at the Calgary Airport look like they should be running a Hollister California or a T-Mobile kiosk and appear to have only a passing familiarity with travel documents.

It is better than the militant assholes at US Customs but they can be so shockingly unprofessional that it blows my mind.