ARCHIVED - Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews, Tours Border Operations in Surrey, British Columbia

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SURREY, August 5, 2011 — Today Canada's Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews, toured border facilities in Surrey, British Columbia where he observed the operations and work of law and border enforcement officers.

Minister Toews first visited the Pacific Highway Commercial Operations Port of Entry where CBSA employees demonstrated the techniques used to examine commercial vehicles. The presentation included inspections using the new Heimann Cargo Vision Mobile (HCVM) unit which x-rays large cargo vehicles and shipping containers with state-of-the-art technology. The Minister also viewed confiscated vehicles used in illegal activities.

“Our Government's top priority is completing our economic recovery and effective and efficient border operations are vital to both security and economic prosperity in Canada,” said Minister Toews. “The CBSA and RCMP are integrating new technologies and approaches into their everyday work. Ongoing working relationships with organizations and international partners such as the United States ensure our borders are secure and Canadians are safe.”

Next, the Minister visited the Border Integrity Operations Centre (BIOC), where the RCMP demonstrated the BIOC's technologies that enable coordination for land, sea and airinvestigations among its partner agencies. Following the briefing, Minister Toews travelled by boat to the Canada–U.S. marine border, where he met with U.S. partners.

“I would like to commend the cooperation of CBSA, RCMP and other partners in their ongoing vigilance.” said Minister Toews. “As a result of their hard work and dedication, illegal and dangerous goods and people are kept out, while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate visitors and trade into our country continues.”

The Government has a duty to protect the safety of all Canadians. Working at home and abroad, the RCMP and CBSA are constantly finding new ways to increase security at the borders, while facilitating the flow of legitimate travellers and trade in and out of Canada.

Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

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