Mentorship for Indigenous candidates in the Officer Trainee Developmental Program
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people face a number of barriers when trying to meet essential qualifications and conditions of employment. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is developing and using tools, including the Indigenous Candidate Mentorship initiative, to improve the recruitment experience for Indigenous people and support their success in becoming a border services officer (BSO) on Canada's frontline.
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About the mentorship
The Indigenous Candidate Mentorship was launched in . It is designed to connect self-declared Indigenous candidates with Indigenous mentors who can offer personalized support and guidance throughout the CBSA Officer Trainee Developmental Program selection process, ultimately improving their assessment and hiring experience.
Participation is voluntary. Mentors and mentees connect via email and telephone to share experiences, ask questions, and exchange information. They develop a lasting relationship from the application process through the post-recruitment training and development phase at the Canada Border Services College in Rigaud, Quebec.
Benefits
Candidates participating in the Indigenous Candidate Mentorship initiative are more successful throughout the various assessment steps and are more engaged in the selection process because they have the opportunity to:
- develop relevant skills and competencies with support and encouragement, which leads to higher motivation and self-confidence
- share their experiences and knowledge with their mentor to develop a relationship and broaden their professional network
- improve their understanding of the CBSA and what to expect in the selection process and BSO role
What to expect
As a mentee, you will:
- be paired with a mentor from your region and, if possible, someone who identifies as part of the same Indigenous group
- be contacted by email or telephone by your mentor, who will introduce themselves, provide details on next steps, set expectations, and answer any questions
- receive tailored guidance from someone who has knowledge of each step of the selection process
- be treated with fairness, respect, and transparency, and ideally build a lasting relationship with your mentor
- have access to additional assistance, as needed
How to register
Are you currently a candidate in the CBSA Officer Trainee: Developmental Program and interested in joining the Indigenous Candidate Mentorship initiative? Follow the steps below to register:
- send an email to cbsa.indigenous_mentor-mentor_autochtone.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- use the subject line: Register for the Indigenous Candidate Mentorship
- include the following information:
- your name and applicant ID number
- indicate that you self-declare as Indigenous
- your interest in registering for the Indigenous Candidate Mentorship
Not a candidate yet but interested in taking the next step to a career on Canada's frontline? Apply now to the Officer Trainee Developmental Program!
Contact us
cbsa.indigenous_mentor-mentor_autochtone.asfc@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Related links
- Border services officer recruitment
- Border services officer selection process
- Many Voices One Mind: a Pathway to Reconciliation
- Canada implements measures to Canada – United-States border-crossing issues for First Nations
- Principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples
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