Overview
- The government says the expansion is intended to curb illegal drugs, guns and stolen cars and to protect Canadian industries and workers.
- The stipend for CBSA recruits will rise from $125 to $525 per week, described as the first increase in roughly two decades.
- Benefits changes will improve pensions for border officers and other first responders, with an option to retire after 25 years of service regardless of age.
- Ottawa also plans to hire 1,000 additional RCMP personnel, including 150 staff focused on money laundering, organized crime and online fraud.
- Officials say training capacity exists, with recruits completing a 14‑week induction at the Canada Border Services College’s eight campuses, though implementation depends on budget approval.