Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak to this legislation which is long, long overdue.
The constituency I represent, Surrey North in British Columbia, is situated between the city of Vancouver and the U.S. border. My home is a mere 15 minute drive from one of the busiest border crossings in Canada. I have had the opportunity to frequently come into contact with customs personnel at our border points to the state of Washington.
It is my understanding that in just the past couple of years our customs officers have encountered more than 8,500 impaired drivers, approximately 200 suspected child abductions and more than 2,000 people wanted on warrants of arrest. I have a great deal of difficulty understanding how previous governments could be in possession of this type of information and not immediately act upon it in the interests of public safety both here in Canada and abroad.
Imagine, 8,500 impaired drivers crossing our borders with the potential of wreaking havoc on our streets and highways. Meanwhile our customs officers, government employees and our first line of defence being fully aware of the danger posed by these impaired individuals find themselves in a position where they are virtually powerless to do anything about it. Astounding.
This lends new meaning to the phrase “only in Canada”. This bill will provide increased powers for the apprehension of those who would enter this country to break our laws. As the justice critic for the official opposition, I cannot help but be in favour of this type of legislation.
Customs officers will now be able to effect Criminal Code arrest warrants and they will be permitted to administer the preliminary roadside screening test on motorists they suspect to be under the influence of alcohol. Canadians can only be better off now that finally something is being done. In the past our customs officers were restricted to reporting incidents to the police who would hopefully arrive on the scene in time before offenders moved on.
It is my understanding there are approximately 2,500 customs officers who will be provided with these additional powers. This is a significant improvement to what can best be described as law enforcement responsibilities within our country. But as usual, everything can never be all rosy with this Liberal government.
Every year at the crossing near my home, customs officers confiscate large numbers of firearms of all descriptions. Some I have no doubt are seized from travellers who are merely unaware of our laws regarding the transport of firearms. However I suspect others are being brought into Canada for more sinister purposes.
As I have previously stated, these officers will now be effecting arrest warrants and we all know that will, in all likelihood, involve unpredictable individuals and potentially dangerous situations.
This government in its wisdom will in the process of adding to the duties and responsibilities of our customs personnel be putting them at increased risk when dealing with dangerous persons. However, it will not be providing them with side arms with which to protect themselves when apprehending these people.
I believe at one point there was some mention of issuing bulletproof vests. I suppose that is better than nothing but sometimes I wonder whether the ministers in this government and the bureaucrats in their departments are aware of the conditions that really exist for enforcement personnel who are actually on the line when it comes to protecting our citizens.
My second concern is another common occurrence with this government which is the offloading of costs onto already overburdened areas of responsibility. Our customs officers will require additional training to carry out their duties. Detention facilities at border crossings will have to be upgraded. However this government has not seen fit to provide additional resources. Canada Customs will have to find the finances within existing budgets to accommodate these additional requirements.
It causes me to wonder whether this government is trying to convince its employees to shut up and to not make any noise. The government was forced to act because customs personnel complained loudly about crime proceeding unheeded through our border points, but the customs departments will have to pay the consequences and find the money to fund the added responsibilities from within already restricted and limited budgets.
Is the government really trying to coerce its departments into remaining silent, leaving citizens at risk all in order to protect their individual budgets? I hope not because we continually witness the passing off of financial responsibility. I cannot help but be concerned that a hidden and perhaps a very dangerous message is being sent that at some time in the future will become apparent, to the detriment of us all.
There is a third concern. It is related to the one just mentioned in that it is a result of the government's offloading. The customs department has been forced because of limited resources to automate some points of entry and to hire more part time employees. Both these developments will seriously limit the ability of customs to properly effect the aims of Bill C-18.
An automated customs port, by definition, means that customs personnel are not available to make arrests on site. Part time personnel, by definition, means less experience and capability to detect the criminal element or to conduct a proper investigation or inquiry and to effect appropriate arrest when required. Inexperienced personnel will also be exposed to increased risk if and when dangerous situations arise.
To sum up, I will be supporting the legislation because it provides better security of Canada's borders. Unfortunately once again the Liberals have taken years to do something which is relatively simple to accomplish but their efforts fall short. They go half way and then attempt to spin into the minds of Canadians that the problem has been fully addressed. I do not know why they simply go through the motions and refuse to provide adequate legislation and resources which are sorely needed.
I encourage my colleagues in the House to support Bill C-18 for the good of all Canadians, but I also call on the government to address the shortcomings regarding funding issues and the safety of customs personnel.