Statement by the CBSA on the documentary series "Border Security: Canada's Front Line"

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is participating in a documentary television series called "Border Security: Canada's Front Line" that follows the regular day-to-day duties of CBSA employees.  This documentary series take viewers behind the scenes to show real life challenges and complex situations that border services officers deal with on a daily basis.  The CBSA's participation in the documentary series is an opportunity to educate the public about the mandate of the CBSA and the role its officers play in ensuring Canada's safety and prosperity. The documentary series is not scripted and the interactions with the public are not staged.  The documentary follows CBSA employees performing their everyday duties — duties that are performed across the country with or without cameras.

Over 11 million Canadian viewers have seen Season 1 and it is now also being aired in over 50 other countries including Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and in many countries in Asia. Season 2 is currently in production.

The CBSA has established solid processes with the television production company, Force Four, to ensure the safety, security and privacy of its employees, the film crew and those with whom the Agency interacts. The CBSA is only providing Force Four with access to our facilities. All participation in the series is strictly voluntary and each filming opportunity is evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account operational, security and safety matters as well as relevant legal restrictions.

If any persons filmed, including CBSA personnel, are identifiable the production company must obtain a consent form from such persons allowing their image and/or voice to be used. The CBSA requires the production company to conceal the identity of any person identifiable in an episode who has not consented to use of footage.

On privacy: The CBSA is currently working with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to address concerns raised over the Agency's participation in the documentary series. Actions taken by the CBSA are done in conformity with privacy legislation and in accordance with Canadian law. At all times, the foremost priority is to ensure that operational, legal and privacy considerations are met.

Participation: The CBSA is not paying to participate in the series and nor is the CBSA, or its officers, receiving monetary remuneration.  The internal cost incurred for Season 1 was less than $60,000 that was primarily realigned existing salary dollars for communications support to ensure adherence to the strict procedural guidelines that include the protection of privacy rights and operational requirements.

Season 2 will be twice the number of episodes. As such, we have estimated the costs to be approximately $160,000 — again, primarily salary dollars for communications support at multiple locations to ensure adherence to the strict procedural guidelines that include the protection of privacy rights and operational requirements. 

Given the costs of an equivalent campaign designed to increase program awareness and traveller compliance, the potential benefits of this initiative far outweigh the costs. The CBSA remains committed to public awareness efforts such as "Border Security: Canada's Front Line".