Canada Border Services Agency Faces Inquiry Over Systemic Discrimination and Toxic Workplace Culture

Ottawa – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is under scrutiny as the House of Commons public safety committee prepares to launch an inquiry this spring into allegations of systemic discrimination and a toxic organizational culture. The inquiry comes amid growing complaints from current and former employees regarding investigations being stonewalled and a hostile work environment.

Growing Concerns and Employee Support Networks

In recent months, numerous current and former CBSA employees have voiced concerns about the agency’s handling of harassment and discrimination cases. Many have joined a support network to assist border officers navigating the complaints system. CBC News has reported on several cases of harassment within the CBSA, including instances of unwanted verbal and physical interactions of a sexual nature.

Political Response and Calls for Reform

Conservative MP Rhonda Kirkland, who has been leading the call for an inquiry after hearing from a constituent, expressed concern over the CBSA’s handling of complaints. “The CBSA] is discriminatory and toxic for everyone … But it does seem disproportionately discriminatory against women,” Kirkland stated. She also voiced concerns that CBSA management is focused on covering up issues rather than addressing them, stating she is concerned by the CBSA’s handling of complaints.

Kirkland credits the work of Caroline Harlow, a former CBSA officer who shared her experience with the agency, for bringing national attention to the issue. Harlow’s story helped galvanize support for the inquiry and led to the formation of a network of affected employees.

Internal Acknowledgement of Issues

CBSA President Erin O’Gorman acknowledged in a November email to staff that employees who experience harassment or discrimination “do not always feel that they can go to management.” She stated the organization has “more to do” and needs a “dedicated roadmap to acquire there.” CBSA Vice-President Christine Durocher affirmed the agency is working to create a culture where employees feel safe reporting concerns without fear of reprisal.

Nova Alliance: A Support System for CBSA Employees

The Nova Alliance, a group formed by current and former CBSA employees, provides support to border officers dealing with harassment, discrimination, and bullying complaints. The alliance is named after Nova, the canine partner of former CBSA dog handler Danielle Getzie, who successfully fought a policy that limited time away from working dogs, even for maternity leave. The policy has since been updated to align with the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Limited Reporting and Disciplinary Concerns

The Customs and Immigration Union, representing Canada’s border officers, reports that the seven investigative reports into sexual harassment obtained by CBC News from 2023 to 2025 represent only “a fraction” of the total harassment complaints received by the agency. Union President Mark Weber criticized the CBSA for often sending managers who engage in misconduct for training rather than imposing serious disciplinary action. He noted that this approach can allow abusers to continue their behavior without facing significant consequences, citing a case where a manager who referred to female employees as “sugar tits” avoided serious disciplinary action.

CBSA Initiatives and Future Outlook

The CBSA has recently initiated a process with employees and union representatives to identify and address urgent issues within its workforce of 18,000. The agency also announced plans to hire 1,000 new border officers over a three-year period. Durocher emphasized the CBSA’s commitment to increasing diversity and ensuring a safe working environment for all employees, stating, “One case is one too many. I can tell you that when it exists, it is addressed and continues to be addressed.”