The House of Commons public safety committee is preparing to launch an investigation this upcoming spring to delve into the “systemic discrimination and organizational culture” at the Canadian border agency. Over recent months, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been confronted with escalating complaints of obstructing investigations and fostering a toxic workplace atmosphere from both current and former employees. Some individuals have banded together to form a support network for border officers entangled in such situations.
Recent reports by CBC News revealed instances where several female CBSA employees were subjected to degrading comments and sexually inappropriate behavior, often perpetrated by their superiors or more seasoned colleagues. Conservative MP Rhonda Kirkland, a committee member spearheading the call for an inquiry, expressed concern about the discriminatory and toxic environment at the CBSA, particularly highlighting the disproportionate impact on women.
Kirkland criticized the way the CBSA handles complaints, noting a perceived effort by management to conceal issues internally. She emphasized the need for a psychologically safe workplace for those safeguarding the borders daily. Acknowledging the challenges, CBSA President Erin O’Gorman admitted in a staff email last November that employees experiencing harassment or discrimination may not always feel comfortable approaching management, emphasizing the organization’s ongoing efforts to establish a culture where all employees feel empowered to speak out without fear of reprisal.
A group of current and former employees, under the moniker Nova Alliance, has united to assist CBSA workers in navigating the intricate complaints system relating to harassment, discrimination, and bullying. This alliance, named after former CBSA dog handler Danielle Getzie’s canine partner, Nova, has been instrumental in aiding border officers in lodging grievances and undergoing investigations. Getzie highlighted the importance of this network, noting that it has provided a platform for women nationwide to connect and realize they are not alone in their experiences.
Moreover, CBC News obtained investigative reports dating from 2023 to 2025 regarding sexual harassment complaints that underwent “professional standards” scrutiny. The Customs and Immigration Union, representing border officers, stated that these reports represent only a fraction of the harassment complaints lodged against the agency in recent years. Union President Mark Weber criticized the agency’s approach, highlighting instances where employees were swiftly suspended while managers engaging in misconduct received training instead of severe disciplinary action. Weber underscored the reluctance among members to file complaints due to doubts about the efficacy of the process.
The CBSA has initiated a collaborative process with its employees and union representatives to identify and address critical issues within its workforce of 18,000 employees. The agency also announced plans to recruit 1,000 new border officers over a three-year span. CBSA Vice-President Christine Durocher emphasized the agency’s commitment to law enforcement and enhancing diversity within the workforce to ensure a safe environment for all employees, particularly women. Durocher stressed that all allegations are treated seriously on a case-by-case basis, although specific sanctions imposed in harassment cases remain confidential.
The momentum for reform within the CBSA has gained national attention, thanks to the efforts of advocates like Danielle Getzie and Rhonda Kirkland, signaling a pivotal moment for addressing workplace culture issues at the border agency.
