Zero tolerance for discrimination at the Canada Border Services Agency: Bulletin

Obligations and rights

CBSA employees have a legal duty and obligation to not discriminate against other employees and the public they serve based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability, or conviction for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspended.

CBSA employees must not engage in discriminatory actions or behaviours or use language that is racist, stereotyping, islamophobic, antisemitic, xenophobic or derogatory towards another person or a person's religion, whether it be directly or indirectly, verbally, in writing or through the use of electronic devices or internet services. Examples include:

• “You're not like the rest of them” (referring to a stereotype from a community)
• “We do things differently in this country” (speaking to a person who is racialized or from a religious minority community)
• “Wow, you don't look like a normal Muslim” (spoken to a woman not wearing a hijab)

Discrimination will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary measures. Consult the Canadian Human Rights Commission to learn more about examples of discrimination.

CBSA employees are responsible for assisting with the elimination of discrimination by:

• not participating in or encouraging any actions and language that could be perceived as discriminatory
• reporting observed acts of discrimination
• encouraging any employees who confide that they are being discriminated against to report these acts

Likewise, CBSA employees also have the right to an environment free of discrimination and harassment, including discrimination and harassment from members of the public.

Submit a complaint

If you are a member of the public and have faced discrimination, find out how to submit a complaint.

Keeping our borders free from harassment and discrimination is vital, and we all have a role to play.

Standards of conduct

At the CBSA, we are guided in our day-to-day work by our shared values of Integrity, Respect, and Professionalism as described in:

• Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector
• CBSA Code of Conduct
• Canadian Human Rights Act

Contact us

CBSA's Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AREDI) Unit
Email: unite_aredi_unit@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca