Canada Border Services Agency
2026 to 2027 Departmental Plan
Copyright information
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Public Safety, 2026, ISSN: 2371-7505
At a glance
This Departmental Plan details the CBSA's priorities, plans and associated costs for the upcoming three fiscal years.
These plans align with the priorities outlined in the Mandate Letter, as well as the CBSA's Vision, mission, raison d'être and operating context.
Key priorities
The CBSA identified the following key priorities for to :
- Effective border operations: Continue efforts to ensure border security and provide efficient border services for admissible persons and goods, while working with partners to deliver Canada's Border Plan. This will include a focus on high-priority import and export violations related to firearms, fentanyl and stolen vehicles, as well as human smuggling and inadmissible persons. This will also include joint efforts with federal and provincial law enforcement partners to address the increasing and violent incidents of extortion in communities across the country.
- Strengthening frontline capacity: Continue the recruitment, training and deployment of 1,000 new CBSA officers over the next three years, in support of the Government's commitment to reinforce our borders.
- Management excellence: Improve internal systems, controls and processes to ensure more effective management of the CBSA's resources and people, with a particular focus on reducing costs and increasing productivity.
- Immigration and Asylum sustainability: Enhance the integrity and sustainability of the asylum system by increasing the removal of inadmissible individuals and adapting the CBSA's operations to manage detainees of all risk levels.
- International trade diversification, security and economic prosperity: Ensure the effective application of duties and taxes, including surtaxes, while administering Canada's international trade compliance, trade remedies and related recourse systems efficiently, as well as supporting Canada's efforts to diversify trade through new free trade agreements and other economic and security partnerships.
- Anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion: Continue efforts to improve diversity and inclusion, and to address barriers faced by employees and clients.
- Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: Continue engaging with Indigenous Peoples in support of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation, while also addressing barriers facing Indigenous employees.
- Traveller Modernization: Continue the planning and delivery of Traveller Modernization, a multi-year initiative to modernize traveller processing through a suite of new tools and technologies to make travel smoother while continuing to keep the border safe.
Comprehensive Expenditure Review
The government is committed to restraining the growth of day-to-day operational spending to make investments that will grow the economy and benefit Canadians.
As part of meeting this commitment, the CBSA is planning the following spending reductions of $156,000,000 over the next three fiscal years:
- to : $52,000,000
- to : $52,000,000
- to : $52,000,000
It is anticipated that these spending reductions will involve a decrease of approximately 200 full-time equivalents by to . The CBSA will achieve these reductions by optimizing internal processes for efficiencies and increasing accountability through better tools.
The figures in this Departmental Plan reflect these reductions.
Highlights for the CBSA in to
The CBSA operates in a complex and dynamic 24/7 environment, responding to emerging threats and global trends and protecting the security of Canada's people, economy and infrastructure. To deliver on its mandate, the Agency is committed to improving its technological capabilities and mobilizing its resources to secure our borders and communities.
Over the coming year, the CBSA will:
- Maintain a dual focus on cross-border interdiction (firearms, fentanyl and stolen vehicles, as well as human smuggling and inadmissible persons) along with cross-border facilitation (expedited border crossing for low-risk travellers and goods through preclearance operations, system improvements, free trade agreements, and trusted traveller and trader programs).
- Enhance its organizational practices and culture by diversifying its workforce, supporting a healthy workplace free of harassment and discrimination, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Continue efforts to strengthen cyber security, data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities, while working with Shared Services Canada on a joint action plan to improve digital system reliability and availability in order to avoid unexpected service disruptions at the border.
In to , total planned spending (including internal services) for the CBSA is $3,069,895,577 and total planned full-time equivalent staff (including internal services) is 17,999.
An overview of the CBSA's initiatives by core responsibility is provided below, followed by a more detailed description of the Agency's planned results in the “Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services” section of the full plan.
Summary of planned results
The following provides a summary of the results that the CBSA plans to achieve in to under its main areas of activity, which are called “core responsibilities.”
Core responsibility 1: Border management
The CBSA conducts a range of intelligence and risk assessment activities to identify and mitigate threats to the national security, public safety and economic stability of Canada, while managing the free flow of admissible travellers and commercial goods across our borders and addressing instances of non-compliance among travellers and traders.
Key initiatives in to will include:
- Combatting the cross-border movement of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, as well as illegal shipments of firearms, prohibited weapons and stolen vehicles through collaboration with law enforcement partners and enhancements to detection capabilities.
- Continuing the recruitment, training and deployment of 1,000 new CBSA officers over the next three years, along with ongoing improvements to infrastructure at ports of entry, in order to strengthen the Agency's frontline capacity and facilities across the country.
- Advancing Traveller Modernization and preclearance initiatives to improve the border experience for legitimate travellers, while enhancing processing capacity in the commercial stream to handle increasing volumes of cross-border goods, especially e-commerce imports.
- Collecting the second-largest amount of revenue for the Government of Canda, with tens of billions of dollars in duties and taxes assessed on imported goods every year, while taking steps to guard against unfair trade practices, defend domestic producers, and protect Canadian jobs.
- Conducting comprehensive screening of visa applicants and asylum claimants through the CBSA's Immigration National Security Screening Program to identify inadmissible persons seeking entry into Canada.
Planned spending: $2,130,705,079
Planned human resources: 13,235
More information about the CBSA's core responsibility of border management can be found in the full plan.
Core responsibility 2: Border enforcement
The CBSA contributes to Canada's security by supporting the immigration and refugee system when determining a person's admissibility to Canada, taking the appropriate immigration enforcement actions when necessary, and supporting the prosecution of persons who violate our laws.
Key initiatives in to will include:
- Conducting immigration investigations to identify persons inadmissible to Canada and focusing inland investigative resources on high-risk immigration cases, with the highest priorities being national security, criminality, organized crime, and human and international rights violations. This will include joint efforts with federal and provincial law enforcement partners to address the increasing and violent incidents of extortion in communities across the country.
- Detaining individuals who are subject to immigration enforcement based on reasonable grounds in line with applicable legislation in order to mitigate risks to the public and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. Using the detention space available in its Immigration Holding Centres and Designated Immigrant Station, the CBSA is able to safely detain individuals of all risk levels and provide a high standard of care. Detention decisions are based on thorough consideration of the specific factors of the case, detention standards, available alternatives to detention, potential impacts of release, and other relevant considerations, including support to removal operations.
- Supporting the efficient processing of refugee claims in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Ensuring that inadmissible foreign nationals are removed expeditiously from Canada.
- Investigating and supporting the prosecution of persons who commit criminal offences against Canada's border-related legislation, with the aim of securing convictions and deterring further criminal activity.
Planned spending: $504,458,367
Planned human resources: 2,476
More information about the CBSA's core responsibility of border enforcement can be found in the full plan.
For complete information on the CBSA's total planned spending and human resources, refer to the “Planned spending and human resources” section of the full plan.
From the Minister
On behalf of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), I am pleased to present to Parliament the Departmental Plan for the to fiscal year.
The CBSA has a mandate to provide integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities, while facilitating the free flow of legitimate trade and travel. It is committed to protecting the safety and security of all individuals in Canada, as well as the stability and prosperity of our economy. To that end, the Agency works closely with domestic law enforcement partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other Canadian police agencies, as well as provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments, United States counterparts, and international partners.
In to , the CBSA will continue implementing the Government's commitment to reinforce our borders through the recruitment, training and deployment of 1,000 new CBSA officers over the next three years. This will bolster the Agency's capacity for enforcement across the traveller, commercial and trade streams, while strengthening its ability to detect, disrupt and deter illegal activity. The Agency will also continue implementing other aspects of Canada's Border Plan, such as efforts to prevent the entry into Canada of firearms and illicit drugs, including fentanyl and precursor chemicals, as well as efforts to combat human trafficking, trade-based money laundering, and transnational organized crime.
The CBSA is collaborating with federal partners, police services and public safety stakeholders to address the increasing and violent incidents of extortion in communities across the country. Through its participation in summits of federal, provincial and municipal leaders from affected regions, as well as its support of community-level task forces, the Agency is leveraging its regulatory authorities, intelligence and investigative capabilities as part of a coordinated approach to combat extortion and other emerging threats, protect local businesses and residents, and disrupt the criminal networks behind these crimes that operate across jurisdictions.
At the same time, the CBSA will advance its vision for the border of the future. As part of its Traveller Modernization initiative, the Agency will complete the development and begin the implementation of a new system for frontline officers at highway and ferry ports of entry in . This new system will replace several decades-old IT systems and will include data analytics capabilities to assist officers in decision-making. This will improve the travel experience for Canadians and visitors to Canada, while enabling officers to focus on travellers who may pose a higher security risk.
In the commercial stream, the CBSA is enhancing its operations to effectively manage cross-border commercial traffic and to keep pace with the continual rise in e-commerce imports. This includes opening Canada's new port of entry at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a vital trade link between Canada and the United States, connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
From an organizational perspective, the CBSA will take further steps to improve its internal systems, controls and processes to support effective management of its resources and people. This includes efforts under the Comprehensive Expenditure Review to increase operating efficiencies, reduce costs, and realign resources with a focus on service delivery needs. The Agency will also continue efforts to strengthen cyber security, data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities, while working with Shared Services Canada on a joint action plan to improve digital system reliability and availability in order to avoid unexpected service disruptions at the border. Additionally, to support a healthy workplace free of harassment and discrimination, the Agency will ensure that all employees are familiar with its Code of Conduct and will foster a culture where employees have the confidence to speak up if they experience or witness wrongdoing or discriminatory behaviour.
Following the Royal Assent of Bill C-20 in , which paved the way for the creation of an independent review body for the CBSA, the Agency welcomes the establishment of the Public Complaints and Review Commission to strengthen law enforcement accountability, transparency and public trust. Furthermore, with regard to Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, which is currently progressing through the legislative process, the Agency stands ready to implement the additional authorities enshrined in this bill to safeguard Canada's borders and immigration system.
I have every confidence that the CBSA will continue to serve Canadians well in the year ahead.
Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services
Core responsibilities and internal services
Core responsibility 1: Border management
Description
The CBSA assesses risk to identify threats, manages the free flow of admissible travellers and commercial goods into, through and out of Canada, and manages non-compliance.
Quality of life impacts
This core responsibility contributes to the 'Good Governance' domain of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada, particularly the 'Safety and Security' and 'Justice and Human Rights' subdomains, by safeguarding Canada's borders and supporting the fair and equal application of Canada's border-related laws and requirements.
Indicators, results and targets
This section presents details on the CBSA's indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, and the targets and target dates for its core responsibility of border management. Details are presented by departmental result.
Table 1: The CBSA's intelligence, threat and risk assessment activities contribute to the identification and mitigation of risks and threats to the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians and Canada
Table 1 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “The CBSA's intelligence, threat and risk assessment activities contribute to the identification and mitigation of risks and threats to the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians and Canada.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of travellers targets examined that led to a result | N/A (indicator introduced in to ) | At least 18% | |
| Percentage of commercial targets examined that led to a result | N/A (indicator introduced in to ) | At least 3% | |
| Percentage of recommendations for admissibility provided/completed within relevant service standards |
|
At least 80% | |
Table 2: Admissible travellers are processed in an efficient manner
Table 2 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Admissible travellers are processed in an efficient manner.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of time the CBSA is meeting the Highway Border Wait Time (BWT) Service Standard |
|
At least 95% | |
| Percentage of time the CBSA is meeting the Air Border Wait Time (BWT) Service Standard | N/A (indicator introduced in to ) | At least 95% | |
| Percentage of travellers using Primary Inspection Devices (PID) at PID-enabled airports |
|
At least 95% |
Table 3: Travellers and their goods are compliant with applicable legislation
Table 3 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Travellers and their goods are compliant with applicable legislation.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of traveller immigration examinations that produced a result (enforcement or facilitation action) |
|
At least 60% | |
| Traveller goods selective examination resultant rate is 'X' times higher than the traveller goods random examination resultant rate |
|
At least 10 |
Table 4: Admissible commercial goods and conveyances are processed in an efficient manner
Table 4 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Admissible commercial goods and conveyances are processed in an efficient manner.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of time the CBSA met the commercial Highway Border Wait Time (BWT) Service Standard |
|
At least 90% | |
| Percentage of eligible release decisions provided within established timeframes |
|
At least 95% | |
| Actual availability of Single Windows as a percentage of planned availability |
|
At least 99% | |
Table 5: Traders are compliant with applicable legislation and requirements
Table 5 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Traders are compliant with applicable legislation and requirements.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of high-risk commercial goods targeted by the National Targeting Centre (NTC) that are examined at the border |
|
At least 95% | |
| Percentage of random commercial examinations that produced a result |
|
At most 1% | |
| Percentage of commercial examinations that produce a result related to non-compliance against a trader |
|
At most 1.5% | |
| Percentage of penalties applied against traders representing continued non-compliance |
|
At most 5% | |
Table 6: Importers comply with revenue requirements
Table 6 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Importers comply with revenue requirements.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of importers not compliant with revenue requirements |
|
At most 5% | |
| Return on investment (ROI) for compliance activities related to revenue requirements |
|
At least 19:1Tablenote 2 | |
Table 7: Canadian producers are protected from unfairly dumped and subsidized imports
Table 7 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Canadian producers are protected from unfairly dumped and subsidized imports.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of trade remedies reviewed annually to ensure accurate duties and fair competition | N/A (indicator introduced in to ) | At least 10% | |
| Return on investment (ROI) for Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) compliance | N/A (indicator introduced in to ) | At least 19:1 |
Table 8: Trusted Traveller and Trader programs increase processing efficiency of low-risk, pre approved travellers and traders
Table 8 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Trusted Traveller and Trader programs increase processing efficiency of low-risk, pre approved travellers and traders.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of time the CBSA is meeting the NEXUS Highway Border Wait Time (BWT) Service Standard |
|
At least 95% | |
| Percentage of kiosk processing time saving per trusted traveller passage at NEXUS air ports of entry |
|
At least 50% | |
| Percentage of members who are compliant with program requirements and border legislation when seeking entry |
|
At least 99.9% | |
| Ratio of conventional traders and their goods that are examined at the border compared to Trusted Traders and their goods |
|
At least 2.5:1 | |
| Percentage of trade by value of goods imported into Canada by participants in the CBSA's Trusted Trader programs |
|
At least 25% | |
Table 9: Travellers and the business community have access to timely redress mechanisms
Table 9 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Travellers and the business community have access to timely redress mechanisms.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of trade appeals received that are decided within established service standards |
|
At least 70% | |
| Percentage of enforcement appeals received that are decided within established service standards |
|
At least 70% | |
The 'Results' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase provides additional information on results and performance related to its program inventory.
Plans to achieve results
The following section describes the planned results for the CBSA's core responsibility of border management in to .
The CBSA's intelligence, threat and risk assessment activities contribute to the identification and mitigation of risks and threats to the safety, security and prosperity of Canadians and Canada
In support of Canada's Border Plan, the CBSA will continue to combat the cross-border movement of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, with a particular focus on synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The Agency uses an array of measures to intercept illegal substances at ports of entry, including targeting and intelligence development, enhanced controls at ports of entry, and enforcement tools and technology for the safe examination of goods suspected to contain highly toxic substances. The Agency also collaborates with security and law enforcement partners and international counterparts by sharing intelligence and information to identify and interdict illicit shipments.
To combat the illegal importation of firearms, the CBSA will continue to collaborate with law enforcement partners, particularly through its National Firearms Intelligence Desk, National Targeting Centre, and specialized regional teams. These teams play a key role in sharing information with all regions and key partners to support firearm interdictions at ports of entry. The Agency will also combat gun and gang violence through enhanced detection capabilities, including the expanded use of x-ray technology, as well as the continued operation of detector dog teams, specialized training, and increased availability of examination equipment.
The CBSA is collaborating with federal partners, police services and public safety stakeholders to address the increasing and violent incidents of extortion in communities across the country. Through its participation in summits of federal, provincial and municipal leaders from affected regions, as well as its support of community-level task forces, the Agency is leveraging its regulatory authorities, intelligence and investigative capabilities as part of a coordinated approach to combat extortion and other emerging threats, protect local businesses and residents, and disrupt the criminal networks behind these crimes that operate across jurisdictions.
The CBSA will keep supporting the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft by collaborating with port authorities, rail carriers and law enforcement partners. The Agency will continue conducting export examinations, as well as testing and evaluating technology options for the detection of stolen vehicles. The Agency is increasing its ability to develop and use intelligence products to identify containers of interest for stolen vehicles, while also enhancing intelligence sharing with security and law enforcement partners to help identify transnational organized crime groups and their members involved in stolen vehicle exports.
To identify inadmissible persons seeking entry into Canada, the CBSA will continue to conduct comprehensive screening of visa applicants and asylum claimants through its Immigration National Security Screening Program. This program is responsible for screening temporary and permanent resident applicants, including refugees from abroad selected for resettlement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as well as conducting mandatory security screening of all adult in-Canada asylum claimants and those who present at a Canadian port of entry. The CBSA will also advance the Security Screening Automation project, which aims to facilitate information sharing with its security screening partners and enhance security screening processes through a new case management system, integrated intelligence systems and tools, and improved business intelligence and performance monitoring capabilities.
To combat human smuggling, human trafficking and immigration fraud, and to protect vulnerable persons and the integrity of Canada's immigration programs, the CBSA will continue to use its intelligence capabilities to generate leads for the investigation of serious offences in contravention of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In collaboration with federal and international partners, the Agency's intelligence-led operational initiatives seek to identify and interdict national security threat actors, such as those suspected of engaging in terrorism or espionage, who may be inadmissible to Canada pursuant to section 34 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
To protect Canada's reputation in international trade, the CBSA will continue efforts to detect potential abuse of the customs process through the movement of illicit financial flows to and from Canada. The Agency triages intelligence leads from a variety of sources, resulting in a number of intelligence assessments produced that identify a range of threats related to trade-based illicit financial flows. The Agency is operationalizing new authorities granted to it under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act to detect, deter and disrupt trade-based financial crime, including authorities to conduct regulatory investigations and use enforcement tools to address willful non-compliance, such as administrative monetary penalties and goods seizures and forfeitures. The Agency also works with domestic and international partners to identify instances of border-related financial crime, including trade-based money laundering, and refer them to the appropriate law enforcement entities.
Admissible travellers are processed in an efficient manner
Under its Traveller Modernization initiative, the CBSA is advancing plans to improve the safety and security of the border while providing Canadians and visitors to Canada with a better travel experience. Once fully implemented, Traveller Modernization will provide a digital platform where travellers can voluntarily submit customs, immigration and biometric identity information prior to arrival in Canada. It will also provide CBSA officers with a comprehensive view of traveller information in a single system so that they can process travellers more efficiently.
With legislative amendments having received Royal Assent, the CBSA is working on a suite of regulatory amendments that will establish the policy foundation for the integration of these new legislative provisions and associated new technologies to modernize border processing while maintaining border security. Privacy is at the forefront of Traveller Modernization through the Agency's ongoing engagement with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to ensure that the privacy rights and freedoms of Canadians are upheld.
By facilitating the border experience for low-risk travellers using digital tools and biometric technologies, the CBSA will be better able to focus on higher-risk activities in keeping with its safety and security mandate.
Travellers and their goods are compliant with applicable legislation
The CBSA will continue to enhance its collection and use of exit data on outbound travellers, allowing the Agency to verify a more complete travel history to support decision-making and focus attention on individuals of higher or unknown risk.
The CBSA will continue efforts toward its first land preclearance operation in a co-located facility in the United States through a low-risk, low-volume pilot to facilitate the flow of legitimate travellers and goods, and to identify inadmissible travellers prior to their arrival in Canada. This two-year pilot is planned to launch in at the Covey Hill/Cannon Corners border crossing between Quebec and New York State, and the findings of the pilot will inform Canada's preclearance expansion plans.
Admissible commercial goods and conveyances are processed in an efficient manner
The CBSA will continue to use its eManifest applications, which support commercial processing by streamlining risk assessment, examination results and data reporting capabilities. The Agency is expanding eManifest functionality to enable targeting officers and border services officers to process commercial shipments using a modern, integrated and user-friendly interface, which will lead to more efficient processing in all modes.
As part of efforts to keep pace with the exponential rise in e-commerce importation volumes, the CBSA will continue to implement the E Commerce Low-Value Inspection System, which aims to enhance risk targeting in the courier low-value shipment stream by using automation and analytics to intercept contraband. In addition, the Agency will keep working with the Canada Post Corporation to strengthen operations at international mail centres in order to manage postal volumes on a daily basis and during peak periods. This work is key to limiting the misuse of the postal stream as a means of importing contraband.
Traders are compliant with applicable legislation and requirements
To improve commercial examination capacity in the marine mode, the CBSA will continue efforts to equip its marine container examination facilities with enhanced imaging technology to inspect marine containers and large conveyances targeted for examination.
The CBSA will continue efforts to ensure that sufferance and bonded warehouse operators comply with applicable requirements governing their facilities in order to support safety, security and compliance with revenue requirements. These facilities are important for maintaining and growing Canada's supply chain and achieving the Government's trade diversification objectives. The Agency will develop a warehouse strategy geared toward strengthening related licensing and inspection processes, as well as compliance management policies, practices and operations.
To support industry in complying with applicable requirements, the CBSA will implement an evergreen workplan to ensure that trade-related D-memoranda, which provide guidance to the public on applicable rules and requirements, are regularly reviewed and updated. The Agency will seek industry feedback on a regular basis to inform priorities, updates and sequencing in this area.
Importers comply with revenue requirements
Following the external launch of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system in to for the commercial importing community, the Agency is continually improving the CARM system through incremental enhancements. CARM is now the official system of record for importers and other trade chain partners to assess and pay duties and taxes, which represents a major accomplishment for the CBSA in modernizing the processes required to assess, collect, manage and report revenue. In to , the Agency will implement system enhancements to improve the processing of mass adjustments, along with other refinements.
Leveraging the CARM system, the CBSA's revenue compliance efforts will focus on maximizing revenue generation for the Government of Canada by focusing on high-risk areas and meeting return on investment targets. In support of these goals, the Agency will continue efforts to increase the proportion of professional auditors comprising its national trade compliance workforce.
On , amendments to section 17 of the Customs Act regarding “importer of record” came into force. These amendments were implemented to clarify liability for duties and taxes owing on imported goods. The Agency will continue applying this amended legislation in to and beyond as part of its efforts to ensure that revenues owed to the Government of Canada are collected.
The CBSA will advance its trade compliance verification priorities by focusing efforts on areas of interest such as energy, surtaxes (e.g., motor vehicles, electric vehicles, steel and aluminum imports), tariff rate quotas and supply-managed goods, and origin verifications under various free trade agreements. More information on the Agency's trade compliance verification priorities can be found on its website.
Canadian producers are protected from unfairly dumped and subsidized imports
The CBSA will continue to conduct anti-dumping investigations within legislative timeframes through its administration of the Special Import Measures Act, while providing responsive support to industries impacted by unfair trade practices, defending domestic producers, and protecting Canadian jobs. These investigations are conducted in conjunction with the Canadian International Trade Tribunal's investigations into injury to Canadian industry caused by dumping and subsidizing.
The CBSA will continue to implement its Market Watch initiative and update trade remedy measures as needed to maintain their relevance and effectiveness amid evolving global market conditions. The Agency will also continue to investigate potential circumvention of Canada's trade remedy measures to maintain a level playing field for Canadian industries. Shifting international trade dynamics and an unpredictable trade environment have resulted in a significant increase in interest among affected Canadian companies in availing themselves of trade remedies. Pressures on the Agency's related capacity are expected to continue throughout the year.
Trusted Traveller and Trader programs increase processing efficiency of low-risk, pre-approved travellers and traders
The bilateral NEXUS program between Canada and the United States supports communities and economic interests on both sides of the border by expediting the crossing of pre-screened travellers and allowing border officers to focus more attention on areas of higher risk. The CBSA continues to monitor and adjust application processing capacity as needed to improve processing for current and prospective NEXUS members.
The CBSA's Trusted Trader programs simplify the border process for pre-approved, low-risk traders in order to facilitate the movement of cross-border trade. The Partners in Protection program allows the CBSA to work together with businesses to enhance border and trade chain security, while the Customs Self-Assessment program simplifies import requirements so that low-risk shipments can be processed quickly and efficiently at the border, saving businesses time and money.
Travellers and the business community have access to timely redress mechanisms
The Recourse Program provides individuals and businesses with an accessible mechanism to seek an impartial review of CBSA decisions taken under border legislation, including the Customs Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Monetary Penalties Act, and the Special Import Measures Act, as well as Trusted Traveller Program decisions.
To support the CBSA's operations, the Recourse Program will implement a coordinated operational response aimed at maintaining performance against service standards, strengthening capacity, and modernizing program delivery. Through these actions, the program will uphold access to recourse, support operational delivery, and sustain public confidence in fair, transparent and timely redress processes.
The Recourse Program is also responsible for the management of the CBSA's public complaints mechanism. On , Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments, received Royal Assent. The Public Complaints and Review Commission will be the independent review body for both the CBSA and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Commission will have the authority to investigate and review public complaints related to programs, policies and levels of service, as well as the conduct of CBSA employees. In addition, it will have the authority to initiate reviews of CBSA activities unrelated to national security and intelligence, and to review the Agency's responses to serious incidents. The CBSA's Public Complaints and External Reviews Division within the Recourse, Standards and Program Integrity Branch will support the new functions and responsibilities of the Commission.
Additional initiatives
The CBSA will advance its policy agenda across the commercial, trade and traveller streams, including through the development of budgetary, legislative and regulatory proposals to support the Agency's mandate. Key highlights for to include:
- Pursuing investments to enhance detection and examination capabilities across all modes and to increase the CBSA's capacity to examine and interdict synthetic illicit drugs, precursor chemicals, and illegal firearms.
- Pursuing legislative amendments to the Customs Act to obligate industry partners to provide access to adequate accommodation and spaces when required for the examination of exported goods by CBSA officers, while ensuring greater consistency between import and export requirements more generally.
- Pursuing legislative amendments to the Customs Act to address longstanding security risks and obstacles to efficient trade at Canada's major marine ports by requiring high-risk shipping containers targeted by the CBSA to be presented for examination in a timely and consistent manner.
- Pursuing regulatory amendments to require and enforce the submission of true, accurate and complete advance electronic data for goods imported through the Courier Low-Value Shipment Program. This will support greater consistency in identifying and addressing health, safety and security risks while facilitating the movement of legitimate trade.
- Pursuing regulatory amendments to the Valuation for Duty Regulations to ensure that goods are valued in a fair and consistent manner by all importers as a means to level the playing field between domestic and foreign business.
- Pursuing legislative amendments to the Customs Act and commencing regulatory drafting and amendments to incorporate the Agreement between Canada and the European Union on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record data into Canada's statutory framework.
- Pursuing regulatory amendments to support Canada's trade diversification strategy, including the implementation of free trade agreements.
Additionally, the CBSA will advance initiatives in relation to the following:
- Frontline workforce: In response to the Government of Canada's commitment to reinforce our borders, the CBSA will continue the recruitment, training and deployment of 1,000 new CBSA officers over the next three years. This will bolster the Agency's capacity for enforcement across the traveller, commercial and trade streams, while strengthening its ability to detect, disrupt and deter illegal activity. The Agency will continue to align frontline and operational recruitment and retention efforts in support of its priorities, while fostering a high-performing, adaptable and diverse workforce representative of the population it serves, and addressing workforce availability gaps across equity-seeking groups and official language requirements.
- Border infrastructure: As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border infrastructure, the CBSA will continue to support the opening of the Canadian port of entry at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, while also advancing the Land Border Crossing Project to rebuild multiple land ports of entry over several years. Notably, major construction is underway to modernize and rebuild the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle port of entry, which is Quebec's busiest land border crossing. This includes the deconstruction of aging buildings and infrastructure, as well as the construction of new passenger processing facilities.
- Border technology: As part of ongoing renewal efforts and in line with the Border Plan, the CBSA will continue renewing its existing fleet of x-ray scanners and other detection equipment. This includes the receipt and deployment of new, state-of-the-art large-scale imaging vehicles to replace aging technology, as well as fixed and portable scanning equipment and handheld devices, to improve detection capabilities in airports, at marine ports, and at land ports of entry.
- Indigenous reconciliation: Guided by its Indigenous Framework and Strategy, the CBSA strives to be a leading organization that engages, cooperates and partners with Indigenous Peoples in providing integrated border services that support national security and public safety priorities, while also facilitating the free flow of admissible people and goods. Ongoing efforts include:
- Supporting the full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and, more specifically, Action Plan Measure Shared Priority 52 to address complex border crossing and migration challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples divided by Canada's international borders.
- Strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners by taking a Nation-to-Nation approach, including the establishment of a technical table focusing on safety and security, as part of the Jay Treaty Border Alliance – Collaboration Initiative.
- Implementing the recommendations of the Minister's Special Representative's Report on First Nation Border Crossing Issues to uphold the honour of the Crown by respecting modern treaty obligations and rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act, through consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Implementing the recommendations of the Many Voices, One Mind report, with monitoring and reporting on progress to address gaps and barriers facing Indigenous employees. The commitments are categorized into one of the five pillars of Many Voices, One Mind: recruitment and retention; cultural competency; learning and development; talent management; and creating safe spaces.
Gender-based Analysis Plus
The CBSA is continuing efforts to integrate GBA Plus in each of the programs under its core responsibility of border management. The following data collection plans are underway to enhance the Agency's ability to measure program impacts on gender and diversity in line with the requirements of the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act:
- Anti-dumping and Countervailing: Finance Canada is the Government of Canada policy lead for the Special Import Measures Act, including the legal framework that governs this program. The program is currently collecting feedback through a customized survey of regular program users. The survey period will conclude on . Once completed, the data will be analyzed to identify potential areas for consideration to improve how CBSA programs communicate and engage with members of the trade community, as well as to identify service areas that may require enhancement. Should the survey results not yield any relevant areas for consideration, no further work will be initiated by the CBSA regarding GBA Plus for this program.
- Buildings and Equipment: The program applies a GBA Plus lens to ensure that investments and design decisions reflect the diverse needs of employees and travellers. In line with the CBSA's multi-year Accessibility Plan, the program is advancing the collection and analysis of data, including audits of CBSA infrastructure, to find areas where buildings can be improved to promote accessibility and inclusivity. This analysis will include measures for geographic location, gender and disability, and will use both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods:
- Quantitative data will allow the Agency to track progress on audits completed, set key performance indicators, and use the data to inform investment planning. For example, the program will use audit assessments of the spaces and compare them against current federal accessibility standards. This analysis will be used to inform investment planning.
- Qualitative data will be used to add descriptive content. For example, the audit reports provide written descriptions and photos of the spaces to further enrich the data.
- Commercial Facilitation and Compliance: The program is updating its policies using plain language and exploring potential new ways of communicating with stakeholders to address challenges identified by clients in previous survey responses. This includes ensuring that individuals from all demographics can understand written program policies in both official languages and continuing to provide access to speak to a CBSA representative through the Border Information Service (BIS). Given that BIS teams communicate directly with commercial clients, the program has engaged with the BIS as its internal partner and liaison to external commercial clients. The program has used BIS frontline experiences and client interactions as a means to identify specific written information that may be ambiguous. The program has updated, and will continue to update, complex policies for GBA Plus considerations. The program's data collection plan involves tracking the number of policies and standard operating procedures that have been updated for both internal and external clients. It will also measure the impacts of plain language policies by engaging with BIS teams semi-annually to gather their feedback on the effectiveness of revised materials and to refresh the list of policies prioritized for GBA Plus updates.
- Force Generation: The program is reliant on the collection of employment equity data through voluntary self-declaration from candidates via the CBSA Officer Trainee – Developmental Program selection process. This data is used to understand the diversity of candidates as per the Employment Equity Act and to support the closure of workforce equity gaps across the frontline. In addition, this data supports the continued implementation of the multi-year National Officer Recruitment and Outreach Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to strengthen the diversity of the CBSA's frontline workforce by reducing barriers for recruitment and retention of qualified individuals.
- Intelligence Collection and Analysis: The program collects, analyzes and produces border-related intelligence on people, goods and conveyances that may pose a threat to the security of Canada. The program is pursuing program-specific policies and procedures to ensure that they include appropriate direction related to GBA Plus.
- Recourse: Under various federal legislation and international free trade agreements, individuals (e.g., travellers) and the import/export community (e.g., businesses and casual importers) have the right to request review of CBSA decisions related to enforcement actions or commercial/trade decisions. The data collected is primarily reflective of the performance of other programs/initiatives across the Agency rather than the Recourse program itself. As such, the Recourse program has the potential to provide insights related to GBA Plus and intersectionality in partnership with other programs.
- Science and Engineering: Data analysis is underway following an initial survey of laboratory scientists and frontline officers in order to inform the way forward for potential adjustments to survey tools and initial reporting of GBA Plus findings.
- Security Screening: The program has completed a GBA Plus review of its thematic indicator packages. Internal policies, procedures and processes (e.g., operational bulletins and standard operating procedures) will be regularly reviewed to incorporate GBA Plus principles. The Security Screening Automation project will improve the CBSA's ability to report and measure program performance, allowing it to be better positioned to conduct a GBA Plus analysis on the program in the future.
- Targeting: The CBSA receives advance information from commercial air carriers to identify people for pre-arrival risk assessment purposes. The data is screened through scenario-based targeting rules known as scenarios, enabling the CBSA to identify travellers who may pose a risk to national security or be involved in illicit migration or the smuggling of contraband. The program is applying a GBA Plus lens on these activities with a view to ensuring that controls are being respected and that biases toward GBA Plus identity factors are not included in scenario development.
- Trade Facilitation and Compliance: The program is currently collecting feedback through a customized survey of regular program users. The survey period will conclude on . Once completed, the data will be analyzed to identify potential areas for consideration to improve how CBSA programs communicate and engage with members of the trade community, as well as to identify service areas that may require enhancement. Should the survey results not yield any relevant areas for consideration, no further work will be initiated by the CBSA regarding GBA Plus for this program.
- Traveller Facilitation and Compliance: Processing at the border involves the mandatory collection of traveller information that is strictly necessary for the administration of CBSA program legislation, including customs and immigration law. Expanding data collection beyond legally required information can only be done on a voluntary basis, in a manner that is clearly differentiated from the traveller's legal obligations. While there are constraints on what GBA Plus data elements can be collected, the program has existing data that would enable monitoring/reporting of impacts by gender and diversity. The CBSA is working on an enterprise solution to improve the availability of GBA Plus data elements through analytical tools and/or updates to existing systems.
- Trusted Trader: The program will begin sending a questionnaire that newly approved Partners in Protection members can use to voluntarily self-identify the GBA Plus factors affecting them (i.e., ownership by gender, Indigenous identity, immigrant identity, employee ability or disability status, business size, geographic location of the business). This questionnaire will allow for the ongoing, scalable and standardized data collection of GBA Plus information directly from program participants.
- Trusted Traveller: This encompasses several Trusted Traveller programs, namely NEXUS, CANPASS, Free and Secure Trade, Remote Area Border Crossing, Program for Travellers in Remote Areas – Quebec, and the Commercial Driver Registration Program. Sufficient data is collected for all of these programs to enable assessment of program impacts on gender and diversity.
Planned resources to achieve results
Table 10: Planned resources to achieve results for border management
Table 10 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
| Resource | Planned |
|---|---|
| Spending | $2,130,705,079 |
| Full-time equivalents | 13,235 |
The 'Finances' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase and the 'People' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase provide complete financial and human resources information related to its program inventory.
Program inventory
The CBSA's core responsibility of border management is supported by the following programs:
- Anti-dumping and Countervailing
- Buildings and Equipment
- Commercial Facilitation and Compliance
- Force Generation
- Intelligence Collection and Analysis
- Recourse
- Science and Engineering
- Security Screening
- Targeting
- Trade Facilitation and Compliance
- Traveller Facilitation and Compliance
- Trusted Trader
- Trusted Traveller
Additional information related to the program inventory for border management is available on the 'Results' page of GC Infobase.
Summary of changes to reporting framework since last year
The CBSA has updated its Departmental Results Framework to better align its performance metrics with its intended results. Key changes related to its core responsibility of border management include:
- Introducing two new departmental result indicators for Targeting: “Percentage of travellers targets examined that led to a result” and “Percentage of commercial targets examined that led to a result”
- Introducing a new departmental result indicator for Traveller Facilitation and Compliance: “Percentage of time the CBSA is meeting the Air Border Wait Time (BWT) Service Standard”
- Introducing two new departmental result indicators for Anti-dumping and Countervailing: “Percentage of trade remedies reviewed annually to ensure accurate duties and fair competition” and “Return on investment (ROI) for Special Import Measures Act (SIMA) compliance”
- Renaming the Field Technology Support program as the Science and Engineering program
Core responsibility 2: Border enforcement
Description
The CBSA contributes to Canada's security by supporting the immigration and refugee system when determining a person's admissibility to Canada, taking the appropriate immigration enforcement actions when necessary, and supporting the prosecution of persons who violate our laws.
Quality of life impacts
This core responsibility contributes to the 'Good Governance' domain of the Quality of Life Framework for Canada, particularly the 'Safety and Security' and 'Justice and Human Rights' subdomains, by safeguarding Canada's borders and supporting the fair and equal application of Canada's border-related laws and requirements.
Indicators, results and targets
This section presents details on the CBSA's indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, and the targets and target dates for its core responsibility of border enforcement. Details are presented by departmental result.
Table 11: Immigration investigations identify persons inadmissible to Canada
Table 11 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Immigration investigations identify persons inadmissible to Canada.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of immigration investigations concluded that result in a person being identified as inadmissible to Canada |
|
At least 55% |
Table 12: Persons are placed on alternatives to detention whenever possible, or placed in the most appropriate detention facility according to their risk profile
Table 12 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Persons are placed on alternatives to detention whenever possible, or placed in the most appropriate detention facility according to their risk profile.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of individuals detained in appropriate facilities based on their assessed risk profile |
|
At least 85% | |
| Persons released from detention on alternatives to detention as a percentage of all persons detained |
|
At least 25% |
Table 13: The Minister(s)' positions are upheld by the Immigration and Refugee Board
Table 13 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “The Minister(s)' positions are upheld by the Immigration and Refugee Board.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of admissibility hearings, detention reviews and appeals where the Minister's position is upheld by the Immigration Division and the Immigration Appeal Division |
|
At least 70% | |
| Percentage of refugee hearings where the Minister's position is upheld by the Refugee Protection Division and the Refugee Appeal Division |
|
At least 70% |
Table 14: Inadmissible foreign nationals are prioritized and removed expeditiously from Canada
Table 14 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “Inadmissible foreign nationals are prioritized and removed expeditiously from Canada.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of high-priority foreign nationals removed (i.e., on grounds of serious inadmissibility such as criminality, war crimes, organized crime, security) |
|
At least 80% | |
| Percentage of removals with no known impediments |
|
At least 80% | |
Table 15: People and businesses that are referred to Crown counsel for prosecution are convicted
Table 15 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the departmental result of “People and businesses that are referred to Crown counsel for prosecution are convicted.”
| Departmental result indicators | Actual results | to Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referrals for prosecution accepted by the Crown as a percentage of all referrals made |
|
At least 85% | |
| Percentage of cases closed with charges laid that result in a finding of guilt |
|
At least 80% | |
The 'Results' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase provides additional information on results and performance related to its program inventory.
Plans to achieve results
The following section describes the planned results for the CBSA's core responsibility of border enforcement in to .
Immigration investigations identify persons inadmissible to Canada
The CBSA will continue to focus its inland investigative resources on high-risk immigration cases, with the highest priorities being national security, criminality, organized crime, and human and international rights violations. The Agency's immigration enforcement operations are supported by its warrant management strategy, with a focus on serious inadmissibility warrant cases.
The CBSA will continue to enforce the designation of the Iranian regime, whereby senior officials who have served in this regime are rendered inadmissible to Canada. The role of the Agency is to investigate individuals in Canada who have served in the Iranian regime and refer them to the Immigration and Refugee Board for admissibility hearings.
Persons are placed on alternatives to detention whenever possible, or placed in the most appropriate detention facility according to their risk profile
The CBSA detains individuals who are subject to immigration enforcement based on reasonable grounds in line with applicable legislation in order to mitigate risks to the public and maintain the integrity of the immigration system. Using the detention space available in its Immigration Holding Centres and Designated Immigrant Station, the Agency is able to safely detain individuals of all risk levels and provide a high standard of care. Detention decisions are based on thorough consideration of the specific factors of the case, detention standards, available alternatives to detention, potential impacts of release, and other relevant considerations, including support to removal operations. Other considerations could also include whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a foreign national or permanent resident is a danger to the public or unlikely to appear for immigration proceedings.
Founded on consistent, risk-based decisions, alternatives to detention are used for individuals whose risk can be appropriately mitigated while being released into the community. In cases where detention is required, the CBSA's ongoing engagement with the Canadian Red Cross provides documented detention monitoring services. With the loss of access to provincial correctional facilities, the CBSA has further developed new risk tools to ensure that detainees are managed within either its Immigration Holding Centres or its Designated Immigrant Station, all the while respecting applicable domestic and international detention standards and obligations.
The Minister(s)' positions are upheld by the Immigration and Refugee Board
The CBSA will continue to support the effective management of its hearings-related activities through updated training materials and guidelines with regard to hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The Agency will also support efficient triage of refugee claims in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Inadmissible foreign nationals are prioritized and removed expeditiously from Canada
The CBSA will continue to effect removals based on a robust risk management regime. Serious inadmissibility cases (i.e., those involving national security, criminality, organized crime, and/or human rights violations) are considered the highest priority for the safety and security of Canada and its citizens. Failed refugee claimants are the next priority due to their impact on the integrity of Canada's asylum determination system, followed by all other inadmissible persons. Cases are triaged based on priority and assigned without delay to support timely removals.
The CBSA will keep working with other government departments to address challenges in obtaining required travel documents from countries that may be uncooperative with removal operations, as this remains the most common impediment to removal. The Agency will also continue to encourage voluntary removals and operate its Removals Help Line allowing foreign nationals to call in with program-related questions or case-specific enquiries.
People and businesses that are referred to Crown counsel for prosecution are convicted
The CBSA will maintain its focus on investigating and prosecuting people and businesses that violate Canada's border-related legislation, with an emphasis on complex cases of fraud and other serious offences involving individuals and organizations that pose a threat to Canada's immigration system, economy and the safety of our communities. Operational priorities are primarily focused on cases of fraud by organizers and facilitators of serious immigration offences, including human smuggling, employment fraud, and offences involving immigration consultants, as well as serious customs offences, including trade fraud, trade-based money laundering, and firearms and weapons smuggling.
Additional initiatives
The CBSA will advance its immigration enforcement policy agenda in the context of its continued efforts to ensure border security and provide efficient border services for admissible persons, while working to interdict inadmissible persons and support the prosecution of human smugglers and traffickers. The Agency will also advance policy reforms to enhance the integrity and sustainability of the asylum system by removing inadmissible individuals and adapting its operations to manage detainees of all risk levels. This will include recommendations to Government for legislative, regulatory and policy work to implement these changes. Key highlights for to include:
- Supporting the full implementation of Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, in order to ensure that the immigration and asylum reforms being advanced in this bill are fully implemented, including all necessary regulations.
- Pursuing the expansion of officer authorities to issue removal orders for straightforward inadmissibility cases in order to minimize the need for referral of such cases into Canada for admissibility hearings, as this can be a relatively costly and time-consuming process.
- Pursuing legislative amendments to strengthen the CBSA's ability to further investigate and bring forward charges involving border-related drug offences in order to combat organized crime groups.
In support of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, the CBSA will continue efforts to assess the impacts of gender-based violence, including human trafficking, throughout its immigration enforcement and inadmissibility policy frameworks. Legislative and regulatory policy proposals are under development to address identified gaps, which will be subject to governmental and parliamentary approvals. The goal is to update existing policies to better address the specific needs and circumstances of individuals who have experienced human trafficking and gender-based violence, and to avoid inadvertently re-traumatizing victims and survivors. Fostering trust and building stronger relationships with victims and survivors may also increase their willingness to share their experiences with law enforcement and support the prosecution of perpetrators.
The CBSA will advance a host of other legislative, regulatory and policy proposals designed to support Government of Canada priorities and border security, subject to governmental and parliamentary approvals. These proposals will include targeted measures to increase operational efficiency, improve system integrity, and enhance public safety and security.
The CBSA will continue to support persons fleeing persecution and hold those responsible for human rights violations accountable through targeted immigration measures. This includes working with federal partners to enforce sanctions on countries such as Russia, and completing a review of regimes for potential designation under immigration legislation due to their involvement in terrorism, war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, or systematic or gross human rights violations.
Gender-based Analysis Plus
The CBSA is continuing efforts to integrate GBA Plus in each of the programs under its core responsibility of border enforcement. The following data collection plans are underway to enhance the Agency's ability to measure program impacts on gender and diversity in line with the requirements of the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act:
- Criminal Investigations: The program conducts criminal investigations into those who commit serious criminal offences against Canada's border legislation, including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. One of its enforcement priority areas pertains to immigration fraud, which includes human smuggling and fraudulent immigration and citizenship consultants. The program has developed a performance indicator to evaluate the percentage of individuals (suspects, witnesses, victims, etc.), in cases opened, with one or more of four GBA Plus-related identity factors identified by an investigator. The program will continue to report on this indicator.
- Detentions, Hearings, and Immigration Investigations: To support ongoing GBA Plus improvements, these programs will conduct a three-year review cycle of their policies and guidelines using a GBA Plus lens. Additionally, to support sustained performance improvements, the programs are updating their performance measurement frameworks, which will include GBA Plus metrics. Measurements will be taken on an annual basis; however, system limitations may limit what can be done.
- Removals: The CBSA has a statutory obligation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to remove foreign nationals who are subject to enforceable removal orders. Enforcement of the removal order is the last step in the enforcement continuum. The Removals Program is applying a GBA Plus lens (including efforts to deepen its analysis of how age, sex and citizenship factor into the management of the removal inventory through data comparisons among various cohorts) in order to detect potential disproportionate outcomes. To support ongoing GBA Plus improvements, the program will conduct a three-year review cycle of its policies and guidelines using a GBA Plus lens and will update its performance measurement framework, which will include GBA Plus metrics. Measurements will be taken on an annual basis.
Planned resources to achieve results
Table 16: Planned resources to achieve results for border enforcement
Table 16 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
| Resource | Planned |
|---|---|
| Spending | $504,458,367 |
| Full-time equivalents | 2,476 |
The 'Finances' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase and the 'People' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase provide complete financial and human resources information related to its program inventory.
Program inventory
The CBSA's core responsibility of border enforcement is supported by the following programs:
- Criminal Investigations
- Detentions
- Hearings
- Immigration Investigations
- Removals
Additional information related to the program inventory for border enforcement is available on the 'Results' page of GC Infobase.
Summary of changes to reporting framework since last year
The CBSA has updated its Departmental Results Framework to better align its performance metrics with its intended results. Key changes related to its core responsibility of border enforcement include:
- Rewording the departmental result statement for Hearings: “The Minister(s)' positions are upheld by the Immigration and Refugee Board”
- Rewording the two departmental result indicators for Criminal Investigations: “Referrals for prosecution accepted by the Crown as a percentage of all referrals made” and “Percentage of cases closed with charges laid that result in a finding of guilt”
Internal services
Description
Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:
- Management and oversight services
- Communications services
- Legal services
- Human resources management services
- Financial management services
- Information management services
- Information technology services
- Real property management services
- Materiel management services
- Acquisition management services
Plans to achieve results
This section presents details on the CBSA’s plans to achieve results for internal services.
Improving the CBSA's management practices
The CBSA will continue to strengthen its procurement practices through its Executive Procurement Review Committee, which provides senior oversight of all contracting activities with a focus on delivering value for money, while also taking steps to reduce its reliance on external consultants. This will benefit the Agency by strengthening its stewardship of public resources, while also providing greater assurance to Parliament and Canadians.
The CBSA will continue to foster an organizational culture that promotes excellence and delivers results for Canadians. This commitment aligns with the Government of Canada's corporate priorities and reflects the Clerk of the Privy Council's message on the importance of strengthening organizational accountabilities and advancing a value-based culture across the public service. To reinforce management excellence and consequential accountability, the Agency has embedded management responsibilities directly into executive performance agreements through clearly defined commitments and performance measures.
The CBSA Code of Conduct sets out the expected behaviours for employees at all levels and serves as a guide for interacting with others, making sound decisions, and working in a professional, values-based environment. In to , as part of its commitment to ensuring a safe workplace free of harassment, discrimination and misconduct, the Agency will publish its second annual report on Addressing Misconduct and Wrongdoing. By reporting on how it addresses founded cases of misconduct and wrongdoing, the Agency is demonstrating transparency and responsiveness to the public and its employees, while also supporting an organizational culture where people speak up if they experience or witness wrongdoing or discriminatory behaviour and have confidence that policies and processes are in place to support them.
The CBSA is also fostering greater awareness of values and ethics through ongoing dialogue at all levels, including the Management Excellence Campaign featuring a series of concise videos that explore key topics grounded in values, ethics and core principles of effective management. This initiative enhances accessibility and engagement for all employees, particularly for those who may be unable to attend in-person sessions due to operational demands. Furthermore, the Agency has implemented annual conflict of interest affirmations, complementing the regular reminders to comply with values and ethics instruments that have been integrated into the performance management cycle.
Supporting a modern and healthy workplace
The CBSA will continue efforts to support a modern and healthy workplace where employees are valued and engaged, as well as a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects Canada's population. Key highlights for to include:
- People Management Strategy: The Agency is committed to excellence in people management based on strong people management planning; thoughtfully designed organizational structures; successful and targeted recruitment and retention efforts; meaningful employee training, development and feedback; the promotion of healthy and respectful workplaces; and the sound stewardship of human resources management. The Agency plays a pivotal role in enabling the success of its workforce by providing high-quality human resources management programs and services, while also serving as a strategic business partner and business accelerator.
- Wellness Strategy: The Agency is implementing its to Wellness Strategy based on four strategic priorities: improving wellness on the front line; supporting managers to create healthy workplaces; adjusting to a continually evolving work reality; and implementing a wellness management system.
- National Officer Recruitment and Outreach Strategy: The Agency is implementing its multi-year National Officer Recruitment Outreach Strategy and Action Plan to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds who show potential for developing the skills and character required to uphold the Agency's values. The strategy and accompanying action plan aim to bring about more effective and efficient screening processes, targeting known gaps in employment equity representation, operational language requirements, and staffing of small, remote or difficult-to-staff ports of entry. The four key prongs of the strategy are Indigenous Peoples, women, bilingual candidates, and persons with disabilities, while also being inclusive of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and factoring in the distinct lived realities of Black employees.
- Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan: The Agency continues to implement its to Anti Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to build an inclusive and representative organization where everyone feels valued and respected. This Action Plan focuses on three priorities: closing representation gaps and supporting employee career development and retention; fostering inclusion and belonging; and improving communication and demonstrating leadership accountability.
- Accessibility Plan: The Agency is implementing its to Accessibility Plan to remove accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities and to enable everyone to participate equally across the organization. The Agency continues to engage persons with disabilities in the development and implementation of its policies, programs and digital solutions. For example, through its lending library and accessibility assessments of information and communication technologies, the Agency is supporting employees to fully participate in the workplace.
- Official Languages Action Plan: The Agency continues to implement its to Official Languages Action Plan, which has been updated to reflect the reforms found in the modernized Official Languages Act. Through this Action Plan, the Agency will be better positioned to provide members of the public with services in the official language of their choice.
- Many Voices, One Mind Action Plan: The Agency is implementing its to Many Voices, One Mind Action Plan with the aim of reducing barriers encountered by Indigenous Peoples currently working in or looking to join the CBSA. Through this Action Plan, the Agency is taking further steps to foster a workplace where Indigenous employees are welcomed, respected and encouraged to thrive.
Supporting an effective organization through information technology, cyber security and data analytics
The CBSA continually evolves its applications, software and hardware to support border operations and to enable a modern and secure digital environment where national systems and related business processes are cost-effectively managed; innovation can be easily introduced to increase business value; and rationalization occurs as needed to address technical debt.
The CBSA is strengthening its cyber security posture through collaboration with internal and external partners to develop and deliver a first-rate security program and provide safe and secure solutions to protect Canadian borders. The Agency is also strengthening cyber security defence mechanisms by increasing capacity and procuring new tools to bolster cyber capabilities, while reinforcing security consciousness across the organization and fostering a culture shift toward a security-by-design mindset.
Key solutions for cyber and information technology security are underway, such as maturing the CBSA's identity, credential and access management capabilities; maturing and modernizing risk assessment practices with a business-focused approach; and stabilizing and maturing end-point protection. Additionally, the Agency is taking steps to strengthen its internal and boundary protection measures; augment its threat detection and response; and leverage enterprise solutions provided by Shared Services Canada aligning to the Government of Canada Enterprise Cyber Security Strategy.
The CBSA will continue efforts to strengthen the reliability and availability of its digital systems through work with Shared Services Canada on a joint action plan to avoid unexpected service disruptions at the border. The plan includes improvements to IT change management and incident management, communications and engagement in both organizations, and with external partners such as airports, airlines and trade chain members. A joint audit will be conducted to make recommendations for further improvements and the Agency's business continuity plans will be strengthened for added resiliency to digital system outages.
The CBSA is enhancing the maturity of its data, analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities through the implementation of its Data Strategy 2.0. As part of this strategy, the Agency is consolidating all priority data into a single, cloud-based integrated platform to serve as the authoritative source for enterprise reporting. This unified data environment supports a hub-and-spoke model that allows for consistency and governance, while granting autonomy to business lines and enabling them to independently explore and analyze data through self-service analytics. A Centre of Excellence for analytics further supports this model by providing expert guidance and fostering best practices to maximize the value of data-driven insights. Together, these initiatives are designed to strengthen evidence-based decision-making across the organization. The Agency strives to provide reliable information to support informed decisions and to build confidence that any information shared externally is accurate and consistent.
Additionally, from a commercial and trade perspective, the CBSA is improving its internal systems, controls and processes by leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to inform the next generation of policy, programs and management strategies, with a view to supporting a level playing field for all Canadian businesses.
Supporting CBSA activities through effective communications and information sharing
The CBSA's stakeholders, including travellers, businesses, parliamentarians, media, and the Canadian public, rely on the Agency for clear and complete information. To meet this need, the Agency provides proactive, transparent and accessible communications in both official languages to support Canada's national security and public safety priorities, and to facilitate trade and economic development.
To reach audiences in Canada and abroad, the CBSA employs a variety of communications tactics, including proactive outreach to media outlets, timely responses to parliamentary questions, media enquiries and public information requests, and social media outreach and engagement through a variety of national and regional platforms. To ensure that the public has timely access to information, the Agency targets an on-time compliance rate of 80% or better for all requests made pursuant to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
The CBSA is developing strategies to enhance its external communications practices in key areas:
- Privacy Strategy: Given the accelerating global trends in the collection, access and use of personal data, along with heightened public expectations around transparency and accountability, the CBSA is strengthening its commitment to protecting personal information by implementing a privacy strategy. The privacy of CBSA clients will be increasingly supported by dedicated expertise and will be treated as a strategic enabler of public trust, operational integrity and responsible innovation.
- Misinformation and Disinformation Strategy: In an effort to counter harmful, false and misleading information, the CBSA is developing a strategy to help prevent, detect and respond to misinformation and disinformation related to the border and the Agency's mandate. This work is part of the Government of Canada's efforts to safeguard the trust of Canadians in government institutions.
Additionally, from an internal perspective, the CBSA uses compelling and proactive communications to share information, build community, and engage with its diverse workforce located across the country and around the world.
Resources required to achieve results
Table 17: Planned resources to achieve results for internal services
Table 17 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
| Resource | Planned |
|---|---|
| Spending | $434,732,131 |
| Full-time equivalents | 2,288 |
The 'Finances' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase and the 'People' section of the CBSA's Infographic on GC InfoBase provide complete financial and human resources information related to its program inventory.
Planning for contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses
Government of Canada departments are required to meet a target of awarding at least 5% of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses each year. The CBSA's Executive Procurement Review Committee continues to provide oversight of its efforts to meet this commitment, while its procurement planning team strives to ensure that clients make Indigenous considerations a regular part of their procurement planning process. Additionally, the Agency's commitment to support the Government's Buy Canadian Policy will increase opportunities for Indigenous businesses across Canada.
Table 18: Percentage of contracts planned and awarded to Indigenous businesses
Table 18 presents the current, actual results along with the forecasted and planned results for the total percentage of contracts that the CBSA awarded to Indigenous businesses.
| 5% Reporting field | to Actual result | to Forecasted result | to Planned result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total percentage of contracts with Indigenous businesses | 4.15%Tablenote 1 | 5% | 5% |
Department-wide considerations
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In this section
Related government priorities
United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
As part of continued efforts under its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy, the CBSA is applying a sustainability lens across its operations to support the long-term wellbeing of the environment as well as the communities that it serves. For example, the Agency is taking steps to further build its climate resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its facilities and fleet, and protect Canada's biodiversity through border measures to prevent invasive alien species from entering Canada.
More information on the CBSA's contributions to Canada's Federal Implementation Plan on the Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in its Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.
Artificial Intelligence
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a number of opportunities for the CBSA to deliver more efficient services, both in the operational environment and in organizational processes. Through the responsible use of AI tools, there is potential for the Agency to enhance its workforce efficiency by streamlining routine tasks, enabling faster access to relevant non-sensitive information, providing contextual support across various documents, facilitating human analysis of complex data, and enabling faster turnaround time on repetitive tasks. Recognizing that AI also introduces risks, the Agency is developing practices that promote responsible innovation and AI literacy across the organization, while identifying and managing risks and ensuring that privacy safeguards are in place.
Examples of the CBSA's AI initiatives include:
- Detection Technology: The CBSA is piloting an AI-enabled approach for threat detection and commercial targeting, which provides probabilistic risk assessments of incoming packages/containers and flags select ones for further assessment by CBSA officers. This approach will generate risk scores and continuously learn from historical enforcement data to enhance the Agency's ability to detect threats and identify patterns related to contraband activity. Through the use of AI, the Agency will significantly augment its detection technology capabilities, supporting officers' training and skills in identifying and flagging potentially high-risk shipments with greater accuracy and efficiency.
- E-Commerce Low-Value Inspection System: The CBSA is using AI techniques and historical data to identify which low-value shipments are more likely to contain contraband. This is augmented by current intelligence-informed approaches to provide border services officers with prioritized lists of packages so that they can focus greater scrutiny on the packages most likely to contain contraband in order to ultimately decide what to inspect. This combined approach allows the Agency to be more flexible and adjust quickly to emerging trends.
- CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) System: The CARM system is a rule-based automated decision system that uses automation to generate reports of potentially non-compliant transactions based on established risking rules and calculates duties and taxes based on the goods being imported. In line with the TBS Directive on Automated Decision-Making, the CBSA has conducted an Algorithmic Impact Assessment of its CARM system and the results will be published in the near future.
- Export Compliance Dashboard: The CBSA is preparing to deploy an AI tool for its Export Compliance Dashboard, which makes information about export shipments more available to officers. This will help officers check whether outgoing shipments comply with customs requirements or if they need to be examined further. More information about the Export Compliance Dashboard is available on the CBSA's website.
- Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) requests: The CBSA is using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools to automate repetitive tasks in the processing of ATIP requests. Currently, five active RPA tools are in use, resulting in measurable efficiency gains tantamount to 25 full-time equivalents. This has enabled the Agency to reallocate resources toward more complex and value-added tasks, ultimately improving service delivery.
- Automated Transcription: The CBSA is exploring participation in a project led by the Privy Council Office for AI transcription of parliamentary proceedings.
- Generative AI tools: The CBSA has established early foundational guidance on the appropriate use of generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot. The Agency remains committed to promoting awareness and fostering a culture of responsible use as these technologies continue to evolve.
Key Risks
Under its core responsibility of border management, the exponential rise in e commerce imports remains an operational challenge for the CBSA. As part of ongoing efforts to keep pace with this trend, the Agency will continue to implement the E Commerce Low-Value Inspection System, which aims to enhance risk targeting in the courier low-value shipment stream by using automation and analytics to intercept contraband.
Under its core responsibility of border enforcement, the CBSA is maintaining focus on geopolitical events impacting its immigration operations, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the collapse of the former Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and the conflict in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These events have posed implications for border operations due to special immigration measures and resettlement initiatives for those affected, in addition to existing pressures on the asylum system posed by irregular migration. Concurrently, removal processes for inadmissible persons have seen challenges due to the lack of cooperation from some foreign governments in the issuance of travel documents to repatriate their foreign nationals in a timely manner. The Agency has taken steps to upgrade its Immigration Holding Centres to enable the secure detention of high-risk individuals, including improving infrastructure and increasing the tools, training and human resources dedicated to the safe and compassionate management of high-risk individuals. The Agency is working with federal partners and is implementing strategies to strengthen its operations across the immigration continuum.
Planned spending and human resources
This section provides an overview of the CBSA's planned spending and human resources for the next three fiscal years and a comparison of planned spending for to with actual spending from previous years.
Spending
This section presents an overview of the CBSA's planned expenditures from to to to .
Budgetary performance summary
Table 19: Three-year spending summary for core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)
Table 19 presents the CBSA's spending over the past three years to carry out its core responsibilities and internal services. Amounts for the to fiscal year are forecasted based on spending to date.
| Core responsibilities and internal services | to Actual expenditures | to Actual expenditures | to Forecast spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border management | 1,739,904,759 | 2,039,470,797 | 2,042,859,277 |
| Border enforcement | 381,536,390 | 427,496,353 | 494,068,946 |
| Subtotal (s) | 2,121,441,149 | 2,466,967,150 | 2,536,928,223 |
| Internal services | 572,470,002 | 541,965,809 | 526,161,266 |
| Total (s) | 2,693,911,151 | 3,008,932,959 | 3,063,089,489 |
Analysis of the past three years of spending
Between to and to , the CBSA's total budgetary spending increased by $369.2 million. This growth reflects a combination of targeted investments to strengthen border operations, respond to evolving migration and security pressures, modernize programs and infrastructure, and address compensation pressures.
Key drivers of spending growth over this period include investments to advance Canada's Border Plan, strengthen frontline capacity, and support major capital projects such as the Land Border Crossing Project and border infrastructure upgrades at Lacolle. Additional expenses have been incurred from measures supporting the Immigration Levels Plan, the stabilization and integrity of Canada's asylum system, and enhanced enforcement activities related to trade compliance, financial crime and the Canada Trade Remedy System. Spending also increased to address operational requirements within Immigration Holding Centres, including contracting security services and infrastructure upgrades.
More detailed financial information from previous years is available in the 'Finances' section of GC InfoBase.
Table 20: Planned three-year spending on core responsibilities and internal services (dollars)
Table 20 presents the CBSA's planned spending over the next three fiscal years to carry out its core responsibilities and internal services.
| Core responsibilities and internal services | to Planned spending | to Planned spending | to Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border management | 2,130,705,079 | 2,135,729,054 | 2,095,366,077 |
| Border enforcement | 504,458,367 | 495,862,695 | 459,566,980 |
| Subtotal (s) | 2,635,163,446 | 2,631,591,749 | 2,554,933,057 |
| Internal services | 434,732,131 | 418,310,730 | 413,512,582 |
| Total (s) | 3,069,895,577 | 3,049,902,479 | 2,968,445,639 |
Analysis of the next three years of spending
In to , the CBSA will receive additional funding to reinforce Canada's borders and enhance its ability to safeguard Canadians and the economy. This includes investments to support the phased hiring of approximately 1,000 new CBSA officers over the coming years, which will increase capacity to detect and deter the movement of illegal goods, firearms and drugs, enforce import measures, and investigate unfair trade practices.
Despite these targeted investments, there is a decline in overall planned spending beginning in to . This reduction is primarily attributable to the Agency's contribution of $52 million to the government-wide Comprehensive Expenditure Review, which aims to restrain the growth of day-to-day operational spending. Planned spending is also affected by the sunsetting of time-limited initiatives.
More detailed financial information on planned spending is available in the 'Finances' section of GC InfoBase.
Funding
This section provides an overview of the CBSA's voted and statutory funding for its core responsibilities and internal services. For further information on funding authorities, consult the Government of Canada budgets and expenditures.
Graph 1 summarizes the CBSA's approved voted and statutory funding from to to to .
![[alt text]. Text version below:](images/graph_eng.png)
Text description of graph 1
| Fiscal year | Total | Voted | Statutory |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | 2,693,911,151 | 2,431,281,627 | 262,629,524 |
| to | 3,008,932,959 | 2,699,594,883 | 309,338,076 |
| to | 3,063,089,489 | 2,780,151,902 | 282,937,587 |
| to | 3,069,895,577 | 2,731,530,318 | 338,365,259 |
| to | 3,049,902,479 | 2,709,659,303 | 340,243,176 |
| to | 2,968,445,639 | 2,625,550,100 | 342,895,539 |
For further information on the CBSA's departmental appropriations, consult the to Main Estimates.
Future-oriented condensed statement of operations
The future-oriented condensed statement of operations provides an overview of the CBSA's operations for to to to .
Table 21: Future-oriented condensed statement of operations for the year ended (dollars)
Table 21 summarizes the expenses and revenues that net to the cost of operations before government funding and transfers for to to to . The forecast and planned amounts in this statement of operations were prepared on an accrual basis. The forecast and planned amounts presented in other sections of the Departmental Plan were prepared on an expenditure basis. Amounts may therefore differ.
| Financial information | to Forecast results | to Planned results | Difference (planned results minus forecasted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total expenses | 3,194,599,000 | 3,194,684,000 | 85,000 |
| Total revenues | 32,030,000 | 0 | (32,030,000) |
| Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 3,162,569,000 | 3,194,684,000 | 32,115,000 |
Analysis of forecasted and planned results
Total revenues are planned to be reduced by $32 million in to as the CBSA is converting to statutory authority for the spending of revenues commencing in to and will no longer report respendable revenue.
A more detailed Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and associated notes for to , including a reconciliation of the net cost of operations with the requested authorities, is available on the CBSA's website.
Human resources
This section presents an overview of the CBSA's actual and planned human resources from to to to .
Table 22: Actual human resources for core responsibilities and internal services
Table 22 shows a summary of human resources, in full-time equivalents, for the CBSA's core responsibilities and internal services for the previous three fiscal years. Human resources for to are forecasted based on year to date.
| Core responsibilities and Internal Services | to Actual full-time equivalents | to Actual full-time equivalents | to Actual full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border management | 11,075 | 11,404 | 12,303 |
| Border enforcement | 2,150 | 2,170 | 2,335 |
| Subtotal | 13,225 | 13,574 | 14,638 |
| Internal services | 3,245 | 3,316 | 2,691 |
| Total | 16,470 | 16,890 | 17,329 |
Analysis of human resources over the last three years
Between to and to , the CBSA's workforce increased by 859 full-time equivalents. This growth reflects the expansion of operational capacity required to address increased travel and trade volumes, evolving migration pressures, and the implementation of Canada's Border Plan.
This growth in human resources supported initiatives to modernize and sustain border operations, strengthen frontline capacity, and improve processing times for temporary resident applications. Additional resources were dedicated to the asylum and irregular migration system, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the Land Border Crossing Project.
This growth in human resources also supported enforcement and regulatory functions, including trade remedy activities, financial crime detection, and upgrades to Immigration Holding Centres.
Table 23: Human resources planning summary for core responsibilities and internal services
Table 23 shows information on human resources, in full-time equivalents, for the CBSA's core responsibilities and internal services planned for the next three fiscal years.
| Core responsibilities and internal services | to Planned full-time equivalents | to Planned full-time equivalents | to Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border management | 13,235 | 13,448 | 13,708 |
| Border enforcement | 2,476 | 2,410 | 2,351 |
| Subtotal | 15,711 | 15,858 | 16,059 |
| Internal services | 2,288 | 2,287 | 2,290 |
| Total | 17,999 | 18,145 | 18,349 |
Analysis of human resources for the next three years
The growth in the CBSA's planned human resource levels is mainly attributable to new investments announced in Budget to reinforce Canada's borders. This increase is partially offset by reductions under the Comprehensive Expenditure Review, corresponding to a planned decrease of approximately 200 full-time equivalents. Overall, planned human resource levels balance fiscal restraint measures with targeted investments to maintain operational readiness and support key government priorities at Canada's borders.
Supplementary information tables
The CBSA has no supplementary information tables for the to Departmental Plan.
Information on the CBSA's Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy can be found on its website.
Federal tax expenditures
The CBSA's Departmental Plan does not include information on tax expenditures.
The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the Report on Federal Tax Expenditures.
This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs as well as evaluations and GBA Plus of tax expenditures.
Corporate information
Departmental profile
Appropriate minister(s):
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, P.C., K.C., M.P.
Institutional head:
Erin O'Gorman
Ministerial portfolio:
Public Safety
Enabling instrument(s):
Canada Border Services Agency Act
Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Act
Year of incorporation / commencement:
Departmental contact information
The CBSA's contact information is available on its website.
Definitions
List of terms
- appropriation (crédit)
- Any authority of Parliament to pay money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
- budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)
- Operating and capital expenditures; transfer payments to other levels of government, organizations or individuals; and payments to Crown corporations.
- core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)
- An enduring function or role performed by a department. The intentions of the department with respect to a core responsibility are reflected in one or more related departmental results that the department seeks to contribute to or influence.
- Departmental Plan (plan ministériel)
- A report on the plans and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3 year period. Departmental Plans are usually tabled in Parliament each spring.
- departmental result (résultat ministériel)
- A consequence or outcome that a department seeks to achieve. A departmental result is often outside departments’ immediate control, but it should be influenced by program-level outcomes.
- departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)
- A quantitative measure of progress on a departmental result.
- departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)
- A framework that connects the department’s core responsibilities to its departmental results and departmental result indicators.
- Departmental Results Report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)
- A report on a department’s actual accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding Departmental Plan.
- full-time equivalent (équivalent temps plein)
- A measure of the extent to which an employee represents a full person-year charge against a departmental budget. For a particular position, the full-time equivalent figure is the ratio of number of hours the person actually works divided by the standard number of hours set out in the person’s collective agreement.
- Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [ACS Plus])
-
Is an analytical tool used to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. GBA Plus is a process for understanding who is impacted by the issue or opportunity being addressed by the initiative; identifying how the initiative could be tailored to meet diverse needs of the people most impacted; and anticipating and mitigating any barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus is an intersectional analysis that goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
Using GBA Plus involves taking a gender- and diversity-sensitive approach to our work. Considering all intersecting identity factors as part of GBA Plus, not only sex and gender, is a Government of Canada commitment.
- government priorities (priorités gouvernementales)
- For the purpose of the 2026-27 Departmental Plan, government priorities are the high-level themes outlining the government’s agenda in the 2025 Speech from the Throne.
- horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)
- An initiative where two or more federal departments are given funding to pursue a shared outcome, often linked to a government priority.
- Indigenous business (enterprise autochtones)
- Requirements for verifying Indigenous businesses for the purposes of the departmental result report are available through the Indigenous Services Canada Mandatory minimum 5% Indigenous procurement target website.
- non‑budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)
- Non-budgetary authorities that comprise assets and liabilities transactions for loans, investments and advances, or specified purpose accounts, that have been established under specific statutes or under non-statutory authorities in the Estimates and elsewhere. Non-budgetary transactions are those expenditures and receipts related to the government's financial claims on, and obligations to, outside parties. These consist of transactions in loans, investments and advances; in cash and accounts receivable; in public money received or collected for specified purposes; and in all other assets and liabilities. Other assets and liabilities, not specifically defined in G to P authority codes are to be recorded to an R authority code, which is the residual authority code for all other assets and liabilities.
- performance (rendement)
- What a department did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the department intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.
- performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)
- A qualitative or quantitative means of measuring an output or outcome, with the intention of gauging the performance of a department, program, policy or initiative respecting expected results.
- plan (plan)
- The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how a department intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead to the expected result.
- planned spending (dépenses prévues)
-
For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to those amounts presented in Main Estimates.
A department is expected to be aware of the authorities that it has sought and received. The determination of planned spending is a departmental responsibility, and departments must be able to defend the expenditure and accrual numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.
- program (programme)
- Individual or groups of services, activities or combinations thereof that are managed together within the department and focus on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.
- program inventory (répertoire des programmes)
- Identifies all the department’s programs and describes how resources are organized to contribute to the department’s core responsibilities and results.
- result (résultat)
- A consequence attributed, in part, to an department, policy, program or initiative. Results are not within the control of a single department, policy, program or initiative; instead they are within the area of the department’s influence.
- statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)
- Expenditures that Parliament has approved through legislation other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose of the expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made.
- target (cible)
- A measurable performance or success level that an organization, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period. Targets can be either quantitative or qualitative.
- voted expenditures (dépenses votées)
- Expenditures that Parliament approves annually through an appropriation act. The vote wording becomes the governing conditions under which these expenditures may be made.
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