Thank you, Minister.
I'm glad you brought up the issue of the cuts, because I was reviewing all the annual reports, back to the Martin years, if you would believe it. It would seem, just based on the annual report data itself, that during the 10 Harper years, there was an increase of 1,700 positions at the CBSA during his 10-year mandate and half a billion dollars of increased investments to the CBSA at that point. In fact, based on the annual report data, in the last year, we ensured there were 336 additional frontline workers.
We were looking at that same time, as you know, to balance the books. Harper eliminated the deficit at that time. We had a 26% decrease in violent crime, in contrast with your government's record, Minister, of a 50% increase in violent crime. We now have the largest debt accumulation in history. Actually, all governments combined before you don't match the debt that your government has accrued.
It is interesting that in the first two years of your government's mandate, at the CBSA you cut 237 frontline positions of border boots on the ground, and another 450 in 2020-21. In fact, you reduced, in 2017, the jobs at CBSA back to 2008 levels. It is interesting, given the balancing of the budget and the reduction of crime under the Harper government, that we're seeing quite the opposite from your record. I will certainly defend the Harper record seven days a week in that regard.
I do appreciate that you feel confident that you're bringing forward a plan. We haven't heard any commitment on the numbers. You were invited to Mar-a-Lago because you were doing a good job on the border. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Am I correct?
We are having serious issues at the border. We're not getting a sense from you that you're assuring that there will be redeployment of the RCMP immediately to secure the border, that you're increasing agents on the ground at the CBSA or that you're working with CBSA to expand its mandate. Again, it's not clear what your plan is.
You talked about technology. Fair enough; we agree in that regard. However, you have provided no concrete commitments. Really, for the Americans, they are not seeing anything before January 20 at this point. I find that concerning, given that we're staring down the barrel of a 25% tariff and economic recession by January 20.
I may be obsessed by talking about numbers and boots on the ground, but you have made no commitment on that. That is the issue the Americans are threatening us with.
I'll just ask you again: Is there an increase of boots on the ground for the RCMP and the CBSA in between ports of entry, yes or no?