Job Profiles and Duties

Border services officers are one of the first points of contact when travellers and goods arrive in Canada. They are employed across the country at highway, air, marine and rail locations, and certain postal facilities. They ensure that travellers and importers of commercial goods comply with Government of Canada laws and requirements.

Using the latest techniques and technology, such as X-ray equipment for contraband detection, border services officers manage the movement of people and goods into and out of Canada.

Key Activities

Border services officers:

• ensure that all people and goods coming into Canada are admissible and comply with Canadian laws and regulations;
• guard against the introduction of human, animal and plant diseases into Canada;
• guard against the flow of narcotics, firearms, child pornography and other illegal and prohibited substances;
• ensure that all applicable duties and taxes are paid;
• detain those who may pose a threat to Canada; and
• assist in combating money laundering.

Career Opportunities

Border services officers may pursue career opportunities in specialty areas such as the following:

• management
• intelligence
• investigations
• detector dog services
• compliance verification – trade
• client services – trade
• program services