The Voice of Canada News:

The Government of Canada is committed to providing border services that are world class and worthy of the trust of Canadians.

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, strengthened the accountability of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) by introducing Bill C-98, An Act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act and the Canada Border Services Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts to establish an independent review function of the CBSA.

By ensuring that people have an independent, trusted review body to go to when they have comments or complaints about experiences with the CBSA, Bill C-98 will ensure that the public can continue to expect consistent, fair and equal treatment when receiving services at the border.

This would be accomplished with respect to the CBSA by creating the Public Complaints and Review Commission (PCRC) which would incorporate, strengthen and build upon the existing Civilian Review and Complaints ‎Commission (CRCC) that is currently the review agency for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The new PCRC would be responsible for handling reviews and complaints for both the CBSA and the RCMP.

Complaints from the public about the conduct of CBSA officers and the quality of services provided would be addressed to the new PCRC. It would also have the ability to review, on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister, any non-national security activity of the CBSA. This will bring Canada in line with peer countries such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand.