Sadly, that is the process, yes.
The CBSA has the security and professional standards directorate, which investigates more serious cases. If the allegation is deemed to be serious enough, the officer's security clearance will be pulled, meaning that they're not suspended and they're not fired, but they just cannot come into work until the investigation has been completed, which can sometimes take a year or more, meaning they're not getting paid. They're essentially at home on leave without pay until the investigation is done.
When the allegations are not founded and it's found that there was no wrongdoing, we're told to file a grievance to recuperate the lost salary. It's devastating to people. You're right—I really don't know anyone who could go a year with no pay.