B.C. mayor skeptical of feds' plan to bolster border security

On Tuesday, the Canadian government announced a $1.3-billion plan to bolster border security over the next six years. 

While some called it a positive step in helping prevent drug- and weapon-smuggling and human trafficking, others are skeptical of the plan.

“Thought it was all smoke and mirrors,” said George Harvie, mayor of Delta, B.C.

“The problem we have is public safety in our streets. This does nothing to handle what’s happening in downtown Vancouver, areas of Delta, and other areas across Metro Vancouver.”

Harvie says he believes jurisdictional problems have plagued law enforcement when it comes to border and port investigations.

“There’s no connection between any of those groups,” said Harvie. “It’s totally dysfunctional.”

While the Canada Border Services Agency applauded the federal government’s border plan, the union representing CBSA workers has concerns it’ll be enough to make a significant difference.

“We were given a number between 100 and 150 new officers; we’re short between 2,000 and 3,000,” said Customs and Immigration Union president Mark Weber.

Weber also believes border officers should have more enforcement authority, rather than deferring to the RCMP.

“What we need to do is get back to focusing on enforcement rather than facilitation, and that means having the officers in place to search the containers, search the cars, search the bags,” said Weber.

The federal government’s announcement comes just weeks after Donald Trump threatened Canada with tariffs unless the country improves its border security.