Questions and Answers: "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.

The documentary series is not a CBSA or Government of Canada initiative; it is produced, owned and financed by BST 2 Media Inc., a subsidiary of a Vancouver-based television production company called Force Four Productions Ltd (Force Four).

Why is the CBSA participating in the documentary series?

It is the policy of the Government of Canada to ensure that institutions are visible, accessible and accountable to the public they serve. 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.

Force Four approached the CBSA with this project idea in April 2011. After thorough discussions, the CBSA decided to participate in the documentary series.

The CBSA remains committed to public awareness efforts such as "Border Security: Canada's Front Line." The over 11 million viewers of this Canadian documentary series continue to improve their understanding of the mandate and role of the CBSA. They also witness the professionalism with which the Agency performs every day.

What is "Border Security: Canada's Front Line" about? Is it staged and/or scripted?

It is a documentary television series that takes viewers behind the scenes to show the real-life challenges and complex situations that CBSA officers manage on a daily basis. The series is not scripted and the interactions with the public are not staged.

What is the cost of the CBSA's participation?

The time and effort that the CBSA has put forth in support of this production is very worthwhile when we see the value of reaching and educating millions of viewers. Our participating officers are doing their jobs, and the production takes place at no extra costs to our front line operations.

The internal cost incurred for season one 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 two will include twice the number of episodes. As such, we have estimated the costs to be approximately $160,000 that is 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.

Where is the series filmed?

The CBSA's Pacific Region was the sole location for season one of the documentary series. Season two will continue with Pacific but also include the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario Regions.

Is the CBSA being paid to participate in the documentary series?

The CBSA is not being paid to participate in the documentary series. The CBSA agreed to participate in the series as 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.

What processes are in place to ensure that the privacy of individuals is respected?

The CBSA respects and adheres to the provisions set out by Canada's Privacy Act. Any action taken by the CBSA is done in conformity with privacy legislation and in accordance with Canadian law. At all times, our foremost concern is to ensure that operational, legal and privacy considerations are met.

Force Four will not film without permission from the CBSA. All crew members will be accompanied by a CBSA escort at all times while filming or on CBSA premises 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.

Participation in the documentary series is strictly voluntary for both the public and CBSA employees. The CBSA has established clear practices with the television production company to ensure the safety, security and privacy of its employees, the film crew and those with whom the CBSA interacts.

At ports of entry, notices are posted where filming occurs and alternatives are provided to travellers who do not want to be filmed.  If persons filmed, including CBSA personnel, can be individually identified the production company must obtain consent from the individuals allowing their image and/or voice to be used. Release forms are available in a variety of languages.

The CBSA requires the production company to conceal the identity of any person identified in an episode who has not consented to the use of the footage. If these steps are not taken to the CBSA's satisfaction, the CBSA will take the appropriate steps to ensure that Canada's privacy laws are respected.

How does an individual consent to having their examination featured in the series?

When other travellers are present, prominent notices are posted where filming occurs and alternatives are provided to travellers who do not want to be filmed. Members of the public who are filmed, identifiable and are to have their interviews or examinations featured in the documentary series are given two opportunities to consider their participation. At the outset of an examination, individuals are asked if they consent to have their examination filmed. If a translator is required for the examination, one is provided. Only if the individuals provide verbal consent does the CBSA allow the examination to be filmed. 

At any time during filming, if an individual indicates that he/she changed his/her mind and do not wish to be filmed, then filming stops. At the end of the exam, the production company seeks written consent from the individual. Release forms are available in a variety of languages. If written consent is not obtained, the CBSA requires the production company to conceal the identity of the individual using editing techniques such as blurring.

Does the CBSA have editorial control?

While ultimate editorial control of the production rests with Force Four, as the independent production company, the CBSA reviews the content of each episode before airing to verify that all operational, legal and privacy considerations are met. During the episode review process, the CBSA has the authority to request the removal of any footage that may infringe the law (including privacy-related legislation), compromise national security, compromise the CBSA's working practices and/or current investigations, is defamatory, or may prejudice an issue in pending or existing litigation.

How will the documentary series impact travellers?

For travellers arriving at a location where filming is taking place, they can expect the same level of service as at any other port of entry.

When filming scenes on a CBSA facility where travellers are present, the film crew must post prominent notices, in French and English, where filming will occur that will notify the public of the nature and purpose of the filming and provide alternatives to those persons who do not wish to be filmed.

For all persons being filmed who can be identified, including CBSA personnel, the production company must obtain consent from such persons allowing their image and/or voice to be used in the series.

For the most part, travellers are focused on clearing the border and proceeding to their travel destination.

What is the relationship between the CBSA and the production company, Force Four?

The CBSA only provides the production company, Force Four, with assistance and access to our facilities.