Border watchdog plan greeted warily by advocates of stronger review
OTTAWA — A federally commissioned blueprint for a new watchdog to review Canada’s border agency has some worried it lacks the necessary bite to ensure true accountability.
A report produced for Public Safety Canada says the government should establish an independent body to handle public complaints about the Canada Border Services Agency.
The report, released under the Access to Information Act, also recommends the watchdog be able to look into trends and any systemic problems at the border services agency.
The power to conduct systemic reviews would be positive, said Josh Paterson, executive director of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, which was consulted for the report.