CBSA President Erin O’Gorman speaks at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. The Canadian Press
Canada Border Services Agency has released a new report. The document shows hundreds of misconduct cases involving staff. The agency published the report Thursday. It marks the first annual “Misconduct and Wrongdoing” review.
The report covers cases from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. It includes cases backed by credible evidence. Investigations came from within the agency and outside bodies.
Majority of cases found valid
During the year, investigators closed 364 cases. Of those, 259 were deemed founded. That equals 71 per cent. Founded cases mean evidence supported the claims.
The number dropped slightly from the previous year. In 2023–24, investigators found misconduct in 319 cases. That figure came from 503 investigations. The latest total still exceeds numbers from 2022–23.
Agency promises transparency
Agency president Erin O’Gorman addressed the findings. She said the report aims to “increase transparency and confidence.” She stressed the importance of trust and accountability.
She wrote, “The CBSA can only carry out its mandate if it holds the confidence of those we serve.” She added, “Values and ethics must underpin everything we do at the Agency.”
Professional conduct leads cases
The largest group of founded cases involved professional conduct. Investigators confirmed 203 such cases. These included failures during arrests and inspections. Some officers failed to log required information. Others misused databases or gave false statements.
The report also lists cases of hiring family members improperly. Some staff interfered in immigration processing. Others used personal phones while on duty. Preferential treatment toward relatives also appeared.
Discipline varied by case
Most founded cases led to action. The agency issued counselling or suspensions in 174 cases. Seven employees left before discipline ended. Twenty-two faced no punishment due to mitigating factors.
Mitigating factors included remorse and clean records. Years of service also mattered. Investigators also considered whether incidents stood alone.
Criminal behaviour uncovered
Fifteen founded cases involved criminal activity. These included drug possession and associations with traffickers. One case involved drunk driving in an agency vehicle. Theft also appeared.
The agency suspended or counselled 11 staff members. One resigned. One left before discipline. Two lost their jobs.
Harassment and fraud cases noted
The report confirmed 21 cases of harassment or violence. Two employees were terminated. Others received corrective steps or short suspensions.
Investigators also confirmed 20 cases of fraud or financial misuse. Most resulted in counselling or brief suspensions. Some employees left before penalties concluded.
Limited details released
The agency did not share locations or names. It said privacy rules restrict details. Four employees were terminated overall. Fourteen others left during investigations.
Confidence remains the goal
The agency says it will continue reporting yearly. Leaders hope openness builds public trust. The report signals challenges ahead. It also shows steps toward accountability.
