CORNWALL – In light of its longstanding and difficult relations with the Canada Border Services Agency, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is supporting creation of an independent oversight mechanism for the operations of the border agency.

The Canadian government recently signaled that it is looking for ways to improve transparency and increase public confidence in the CBSA, according to a press release from the MCA.

Akwesasne community members routinely cross through the CBSA port in Cornwall, Ontario, sometimes several times a day, while traveling from one part of the community to another to travel to work, attend school, attend health related appointments, visit family, or otherwise meet social, cultural, economic, and recreation needs, the MCA said in a statement.

“Given the numerous encounters with various CBSA personnel, some community members have experienced unsatisfactory occurrences regarding the lengthy wait times, misconduct of border service officers, and unreasonable searches,” the MCA statement said. “Complaints of this nature against CBSA have so far only been able to be submitted directly to CBSA. The MCA wholeheartedly supports the establishment of an independent oversight mechanism for CBSA, one that will ensure compliance with laws and policies related to border crossing and protect people’s rights.”

The Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale said the government is examining how to best provide the CBSA with appropriate review mechanisms, particularly after numerous civil rights groups have called for the creation of an independent watchdog to oversee the border agency.

On May 26, MCA Grand Chief Abram Benedict wrote to Minister Goodale expressing the Mohawk Council’s support for the establishment of an independent oversight mechanism for the CBSA.

“While we appreciate the importance of ensuring that the border is secure for national security as well as for the safety of all citizens, we expect CBSA to treat people with respect in an open and transparent manner. Law enforcement officials should be held to the highest standard of review and scrutiny in their interaction with the public,” the MCA statement said.