Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament Wayne Stetski rose in the House of Commons today to ask why the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are refusing to bargain with Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officers.

“Border Services Officers in my riding of Kootenay-Columbia and across Canada are some of our hardest working law enforcement officers,” Stetski said. “Every day, they protect our borders from illegal arms, drugs, and other smuggled goods.”

The officers have been without a collective agreement for several years. The government demanded concessions from them, including less flexibility around shift scheduling and leave provisions. At the same time, the government refused to consider improvements to the contract that would have brought Border Officers’ retirement plan in line with other federal law enforcement officers.

“Despite their importance, this Liberal government, like the Conservatives before them, refuses to fairly negotiate a collective agreement with these officers,” Stetski said.  “The government is demanding concessions from our border staff and now talks have broken off.”

Stetski said that Border Security Officers play a critical role in protecting our borders.

“When will the Liberals get back to the bargaining table and treat our Border Services Officers fairly?” he asked.

Lead image: Kingsgate Border Crossing. e-KNOW file photo

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