The president of the union representing Canadian border officers has raised concerns about potential security risks resulting from the government’s implementation of automated processes for refugee claims.
The Canada Border Services Agency strongly refuted these claims and defended its One Touch intake system, which was designed to handle high volumes of asylum seekers categorized as “low-risk” claimants.
Previously, asylum seekers completed their forms in the presence of an officer upon arrival, allowing for thorough scrutiny and follow-up questions to verify the authenticity of their claims. However, under the One Touch model, low-risk claimants are given 45 days to fill out forms online after an initial assessment and biometric data collection.
Customs and Immigration Union president Mark Weber criticized the new system, citing concerns about the lack of thorough verification of claimants’ stories and the potential for individuals to evade detection by not completing the required forms.
CBSA’s Vice-President of Intelligence and Enforcement, Aaron McCrorie, defended the One Touch model, emphasizing the multiple layers of defense in place to assess claimants’ eligibility and identity. He highlighted the rigorous risk assessment process conducted at ports of entry and the cross-referencing of names and biometric data with security databases to enhance screening measures.
Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner expressed alarm over the union’s criticisms, labeling them as “super concerning” and indicating her party’s intention to seek further details on the matter.
In response to these concerns, the government has committed to hiring 1,000 new border officers as part of its broader border security strategy to address potential gaps in the refugee claimant process.
