Martin Cauchon

[Bioterrorism, October 17th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we all know that in Canada we have a very good customs system. Of course people have been trained, first in regard to seaports, airports and the land border in order to make sure that they keep Canadians safe as well as keeping the border open for trade.

Regarding the item to which the hon. member just referred, I can confirm to the House that a number of telephone conversations took place with the aid of all the departments across Canada in order to make sure we deal with the situation appropriately.

[National Security, October 16th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, some months ago customs officers were provided with what we call officer power. Officer power has been implemented in some ports, at land borders, of course, and at seaports and airports.

As well, customs is not the police department. Over the past decade we have worked with local and national police. This is what we will keep doing in the future, making sure as well that the safety of our officers is a prime concern of Canada customs.

[Customs and Excise, October 16th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, customs officers have the necessary powers to fulfill their duties.

A question I would like to ask is, why does the opposition member always try to blame Canada? We are doing a wonderful job on this side of the House. We are working in co-operation. We are one component in the first line of defence. We are working with immigration, the RCMP and CSIS. It is through co-operation that we will fight terrorism.

[Customs and Excise, October 16th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, customs officers are well trained. We know that based on the brand new legislation they have been given what is called officer power. Therefore they have the right to arrest people when they show up at the border.

We all know that customs officers are not police. Over the past decade we have been working with national police forces and local police forces. As the safety of our employees is of prime importance, they must be allowed to use their judgment. If they believe a person could be a threat to their life they only have to get in touch with the local police who will arrest those people and make sure we--

[Customs and Excise, October 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the customs officers have been provided with the necessary tools to fulfill their work. If members would look at the announcement made last week, we will upgrade the computer system at the land borders, at the airports and at seaports.

If members were aware of the bill pending in the House of Commons, Bill S-23, they would know as well that we will put in place one of the best customs systems in the world. When we talk about technology at customs at the land border, we talk about Canada customs.

[Customs and Excise, October 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member were aware of what is taking place at customs he would know that at the land border, at the primary inspection lines, customs officers have access to the data banks of both immigration Canada and Canada customs. At the secondary, as well, we have access to other data banks that we are using as a tool.

Second, if the hon. member were informed about what is taking place and what is going on at customs, he would know as well that last week we announced a package of technology and more human resources. In that package there is an amount of money in order to upgrade the computer system that we have for the primary inspection line.

[National Security, October 15th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as we know, customs play a leadership role in Canada's security.

We went ahead and we are implementing a reform project that will allow us to have a balanced approach using technology, but also relying more and much more effectively on human resources. In June, we announced that $12 million would be earmarked for additional technology and for the recruiting of new customs officers.

Last week, we also proceeded with a new $21 million plan to hire 130 new officers and buy new technology. All these measures will allow us to implement our reform, ensure a smart and dynamic border--

[National Security, October 4th, 2001]

Simply put, Mr. Speaker, Canada customs handled the situation in the proper manner. We put in place the reform. As soon as we have the full enactment of Bill S-23, we will speed up the implementation of that reform.

We must keep working in co-operation with our neighbours. We did it in the past when we signed the Canada customs shared border agreement in 1995. We will keep working with the United States to provide Canadians with one of the best customs systems in the world.

[National Security, October 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to the border issue one must be quite proud of what we did with Canada customs.

First, we started to reform the system a year and a half ago. Second, with regard to what is called the perimeter, that is to say the airports and the seaports, we made a major announcement last June. Third, the way to manage the volume we face with trade and to protect Canadians is to use more technology.

However the problem is that while the government was taking care of Canadian interests the opposition members were doing nothing. They were not interested in customs.

[National Security, October 4th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, first, if the hon. member were to look at the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website, he would see that the traffic at Canada's borders is pretty much back to normal.

Second, if he were to look at Bill S-23, he would see that we have a balanced approach to make sure that with technology we will be able to keep the borders open for trade and at the same time protect Canadians. Above all that, we have to keep working--