Program Description New technologies and responsibilities are at the forefront of current customs and border services activities and procedures. The scope of border operations continues to expand as our economy becomes increasingly tied to the global marketplace. As cross border trade exceeds well over one billion dollars a day, our "smart border" needs to efficiently manage the flow of legitimate trade and travellers as we move toward an environment in which the exchange and use of electronic data between countries, and within Canada, becomes a permanent reality. The result is the continued growth of challenging new career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uses its front line law enforcement employees, Border Services Officers (BSOs), to fulfill its roles and responsibilities. The BSOs are trained to function as both a Customs and an Immigration official, depending upon the needs of the port of entry where they are employed. As Canada’s first line of defence, they are also trained and equipped to protect themselves and to ensure our overall safety and well-being.
The Customs Border Services program provides experiential, hands-on learning with real life enforcement tools such as a baggage x-ray machine, travellers’ baggage and a practice automobile, to help prepare you for common enforcement-related activities in the field with the CBSA. This training is also beneficial for the non-enforcement jobs found in the brokerage, consulting, transportation and private (import/export) industries. Throughout this program you will: Learn the role and legislative jurisdiction of Customs, Immigration and Canadian Food Inspection (Border Services), including enforcement techniques and procedures. Review Customs legislation, procedures and documentation, and Immigration legislation Gain an appreciation for global diversity through additional study of the legislation and regulations relating to other government departments. Develop the computer, communications, dispute resolution and critical thinking skills that today's employers are demanding both in the private and public sectors of Border Services in Canada. At the conclusion of your regular courses and curriculum within the program, you will participate in a mandatory field placement (co-op) in a private industry/business, customs brokerage or public agency to gain valuable work experience that often results in an offer of employment if you meet their standards.
