NIAGARA FALLS - The Liberal government is set to fulfill a campaign promise by allocating funds for the hiring of 1,000 additional Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in its upcoming budget. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance border security and combat cross-border trafficking of drugs, illegal firearms, and stolen vehicles.

A media release from the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government will also increase the recruitment stipend for CBSA officers for the first time in 20 years. The stipend will rise from $125 to $525 per week. This change aims to attract more candidates to the agency, which has faced challenges in recruitment.

In addition to the funding for border officers, the government plans to implement changes to benefits that will allow frontline workers to retire after 25 years of service, regardless of their age. This move is expected to improve retention and recruitment within the agency.

The announcement is part of a series of measures the Liberal government is highlighting ahead of the fall budget, which is scheduled for release on November 4. Prime Minister Mark Carney also indicated that the government intends to hire 1,000 new Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) personnel, including 150 officers dedicated to tackling money laundering, organized crime, and online fraud.

These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to enhancing national security and addressing public safety concerns as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement agencies across Canada.