NDP will build CBSA training centre in Windsor

WINDSOR— NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced Monday that an NDP government will build a new training centre for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in Windsor, creating more jobs in Windsor and preparing to better stop illegal guns at the border.

“The Canada I believe in is a safe place where people don’t have to worry that anyone near them has an illegal handgun in their pocket or glove compartment,” said Singh. “Gun violence leaves people traumatized, tears apart communities, and costs lives.

“Border officers — not machines — stop illegal guns from entering this country, and we need to ensure Canada’s ports of entry have the personnel to do so. That’s why the NDP would hire thousands more border officers. A new Canada Border Services College training facility right here in Windsor is necessary to staff up our borders, and catch more guns coming in by land, water or rail before they’re used to commit crimes and devastate lives.”

The NDP has also committed to hire thousands of new CBSA officers, and expand their mandate so they can patrol in between ports.

In 2012, the Stephen Harper government, with Pierre Poilievre in cabinet, cut 1,100 border officers in one day, leaving Canada more vulnerable to illegal guns and drugs crossing into Canada.

Singh says the new facility can boost Canada’s ability to train hundreds more officers per year to meet existing and emerging border challenges.