Customs agents won't get firearms

February 6, 2003

6 February 2003

Customs agents won't get firearms

The following article is excerpted from the “Toronto Star” on-line edition of 6 February 2003.

Canadian customs agents won't be getting guns but all will be issued protective vests, pepper spray and batons, Revenue Minister Elinor Caplan said yesterday.

In a speech prepared for delivery to senior customs managers in Cornwall, Caplan said the government "does not want Customs to become another police force" so officers don't need firearms to carry out their duties.

But the minister agreed workers who patrol borders and points of entry need some protection and they will get vests, batons and pepper spray.

"It's great news," said Eric Lupien, a spokesperson for the Customs and Excise Union, which represent 11,000 members, including about 3,800 customs agents….

Currently only customs agents at 32 points of entry that oversee about 80 per cent of border traffic are issued pepper spray and batons.

That leaves agents at the remaining 143 non-designated entry points able only to call police if a problem occurs. The expanded distribution is the result of an independent risk analysis that recommended more equipment and training for front-line employees.


Topic(s): 
Canadian Economy & Politics
Information Source: 
Canadian News Channel
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