Upcoming budget to include funding for 1,000 new border officers

NIAGARA FALLS — The Liberal government says it’s fulfilling a campaign promise in its upcoming budget with funding to hire 1,000 more Canada Border Services Agency officers.

It’s part of the government’s promised plan to crack down on cross-border traffic in drugs, illegal guns and stolen cars.

A media release from the Prime Minister’s Office says it also will boost the CBSA’s recruitment stipend for the first time in two decades, lifting it from $125 to $525 a week.

It adds that Ottawa’s attempts to bolster recruitment will include changes to benefits which will allow those on the front lines to retire after serving 25 years, regardless of their age.

This is the latest in a series of announcements by the Liberal government spotlighting measures to be included in the fall budget, set t