News Release

National 2007

Armed border officers deployed at the Peace Bridge

Fort Erie, Ontario, August 31, 2007 -- Today, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, announced the deployment of armed border services officers at the Peace Bridge border crossing in Fort Erie, Ontario.

The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“Canada’s New Government is committed to a safe, secure and efficient border. We have fulfilled another election promise by arming our border services officers and giving them the tools and resources they need to protect our border,” said Minister Nicholson. “Our Government is committed to protecting those who protect our border. Enhanced border security means safer communities.”

Border services officers are being provided with duty firearms to enhance their law-enforcement effectiveness and their safety as they fulfill their duties.

In total, 4,800 border services officers will be trained and deployed by the end of the training process. This includes the 400 new officers who will be hired, trained and equipped in order to eliminate dangerous “work-alone” situations.

The training that officers receive is unique and meets the special requirements of their duties. It involves incorporating firearms into use-of-force decision making as well as simulation exercises.

Canada’s New Government is taking action to facilitate the smooth flow of legitimate trade and travel while securing Canada’s border.

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For media information:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2863