A newly released Canada Border Services Agency report has found that hundreds of CBSA employees were involved in founded misconduct cases over the past year, raising fresh questions about accountability within the federal border agency.
The report, published Thursday, is the CBSA’s first annual Misconduct and Wrongdoing review and covers cases deemed “founded” — meaning supported by credible evidence — between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. It includes incidents investigated internally as well as those examined by external bodies.
CBSA President Erin O’Gorman said the report is intended to improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in the agency’s oversight processes.
During the 2024–25 fiscal year, 364 misconduct investigations were closed. Of those, 259 — or 71 per cent — were found to be founded. In each founded case, the agency said steps were taken to address or correct the behaviour.
While the number of founded cases was slightly lower than the previous year, when 319 cases were confirmed, it remains higher than figures reported in 2022–23, when 237 cases were substantiated.
The report outlines the CBSA’s Disciplinary Measures Framework, which guides how misconduct is assessed and what penalties may be imposed.
The largest share of founded cases fell under “accountability and professional conduct,” accounting for 203 incidents. These included failures to follow proper arrest and screening procedures, misuse of law-enforcement databases, providing false statements, interfering in immigration processing, showing preferential treatment to family members, and using personal devices while on duty.
In response to those cases, 174 employees received corrective actions such as counselling or suspensions of up to 20 days. Seven employees left the agency before disciplinary processes were completed, while 22 cases resulted in no discipline due to mitigating factors, including years of service, remorse, or the isolated nature of the incident.
The report also identified 15 founded cases involving criminal behaviour or off-duty criminal associations, including drug possession, ties to drug traffickers, theft, and impaired driving in agency vehicles. Among those cases, two employees were terminated, one resigned, one left before discipline was imposed, and the remaining individuals received suspensions or counselling.
Workplace harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and violence accounted for 21 founded cases. Two employees were terminated, 17 faced corrective measures or short suspensions, and two left the agency before disciplinary action concluded.
Another 20 cases involved financial mismanagement or fraud. Sixteen employees received corrective action or suspensions, two left before discipline, and two cases remain under review.
Overall, the report notes that four employees were terminated during the reporting period and 14 others departed the agency. The CBSA did not disclose details about where the misconduct occurred or the specific units involved.
In a statement included in the report, O’Gorman emphasized the importance of trust and accountability within the agency.
“The CBSA can only carry out its mandate if it holds the confidence of those we serve,” she said, adding that values and ethics must guide all actions within the organization.
