Lois Larson
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has a strong presence in Toronto's airports, with Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA) being a key hub for their operations. As part of its Traveller Modernization Initiative, the CBSA introduced electronic gates (eGates) at TPIA in 2022, enhancing the efficiency of customs and immigration processes. The CBSA's GTA Region plays a crucial role in facilitating legitimate travel and trade while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians. This is evidenced by the significant number of seizures made by GTA officers, including narcotics, weapons, and contraband. Additionally, the CBSA has welcomed Afghan refugees and Ukrainian nationals at TPIA, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian efforts. Billy Bishop Airport, another Toronto airport, has also been mentioned in relation to CBSA operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CBSA Region | Greater Toronto Area (GTA) |
| CBSA's Role | Facilitate legitimate travel and trade while protecting Canadians' safety and security |
| CBSA GTA Region Seizures (as of October 31, 2022) | 13,723, including suspected narcotics, weapons, and contraband |
| Percentage of Enforcement Actions by CBSA GTA Region | 50.5% |
| Narcotics Seizures in GTA Region (Jan 1 - Oct 31, 2022) | Over 4,000 seizures |
| Notable Seizures | 4.32 kg of suspected methamphetamine at Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| Afghan Refugees Welcomed at Toronto Pearson International Airport | 5,081 passengers on 16 flights |
| Ukrainian Nationals Welcomed at Toronto Pearson International Airport | Over 40,000 |
| Commercial Shipments Processed by BSOs in GTA Region (Jan 1 - Oct 31, 2022) | Over 5.1 million |
| eGate Pilot for Self-Service Primary Processing | Launched on June 1, 2022, at Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| eGate Deployment | 12 eGate devices installed during the summer of 2022 |
| Traveller Volume at Toronto Pearson International Airport (Jan 1 - Oct 31, 2022) | Close to nine million travellers |
| Billy Bishop Airport Traveller Volume | 291,952 passengers |
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What You'll Learn
CBSA's role in Toronto Pearson International Airport
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays a crucial role in facilitating legitimate travel and trade while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians at Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA). As the country's largest and busiest international airport, TPIA serves as the primary point of entry for the CBSA's Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region.
The CBSA's GTA Region is committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient border experience for travellers at TPIA. As part of its Traveller Modernization Initiative, the CBSA introduced electronic gates (eGates) in 2022, providing travellers with an alternative self-service option for primary processing. The successful implementation of the eGate pilot in Terminal 1 led to the installation of 12 eGates, enhancing the efficiency of customs and immigration declaration procedures.
The CBSA's enforcement activities at TPIA are vital in intercepting prohibited items and contraband. From January 1 to October 31, 2022, CBSA officers made significant seizures, including suspected narcotics, weapons, and controlled substances. Notably, CBSA officers seized 4.32 kg of suspected methamphetamine and over 67 kg of dried Catha edulis (Khat), contributing to the safety and security of the country.
In addition to enforcement, the CBSA plays a crucial role in welcoming refugees and supporting humanitarian initiatives. The CBSA's GTA Region welcomed 16 flights of Afghan refugees, amounting to 5,081 passengers, at TPIA. Furthermore, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program welcomed over 40,000 Ukrainian nationals at the airport.
The CBSA's Trade Program in the GTA remains dedicated to contributing to economic stability. Border Services Officers (BSOs) at the CBSA Commercial Operations District processed over 5.1 million commercial shipments into Canada during the same period. They were responsible for clearing approximately 27.84% of the country's air cargo shipments, highlighting the significant role of TPIA in facilitating trade.
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CBSA's Traveller Modernization Initiative
The CBSA Traveller Modernization Initiative is a multi-year programme by the Canada Border Services Agency to modernise border control. The CBSA aims to make travel smoother while keeping the border safe. The agency is introducing new tools and technologies to expedite the movement of travellers through the border.
The CBSA has developed new tools and technology to deliver a better and smoother border experience for travellers arriving at Canadian airports. In 2022, the Agency introduced electronic gates (eGates) as an alternate device for self-service primary processing, giving travellers another option to present their customs and immigration declaration. On 1 June 2022, an eGate pilot was launched at Toronto Pearson International Airport in CBSA’s Primary Inspection Hall located in Terminal 1. Following the successful pilot, the full eGate deployment was made available to travellers in the summer with the installation of a total of 12 eGate devices.
The CBSA is working to expand the availability of digital technology and self-service tools. This includes the Advance Declaration, where travellers can complete their customs and immigration declaration in advance using their smartphone or computer. This will allow border officers to focus more on high-risk travellers and activities. Travellers can also use facial recognition technology to help confirm their identity securely, while making the process faster and easier. The CBSA is also delivering the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project to transform the collection of duties and taxes for imported goods.
The CBSA is committed to protecting the privacy of travellers and their information at all times. For all new biometrics projects, the CBSA follows rules for privacy and tests new technology with a diverse group of participants. The CBSA is also working with Indigenous Peoples and communities on border mobility to build a relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of Indigenous rights.
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Electronic gates (eGates) at Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto Pearson International Airport has introduced electronic gates (eGates) to streamline the customs and immigration process for travellers. The eGates were first piloted on 1 June 2022 in the CBSA's Primary Inspection Hall in Terminal 1. Following this successful pilot, 12 eGates were installed and made available to travellers during the summer. The eGates provide an additional option for self-service primary processing, allowing travellers to confirm their identities and submit their customs and immigration declarations without interacting with an agent. This initiative is part of the CBSA's Traveller Modernization Initiative, which aims to enhance the border experience for travellers arriving at Canadian airports.
The introduction of eGates at Toronto Pearson International Airport is a response to ongoing congestion issues and complaints from passengers and tour operators about lengthy arrival processes. The eGates are expected to speed up the customs and immigration declaration process, reducing wait times and improving the overall travel experience. This technology has been well-received by travellers, particularly those who are 16 years of age and older, as they can now complete their declarations without having to speak to a border agent.
While the eGates enhance convenience and efficiency, it is important to note that they do not replace the existing primary inspection kiosks. Travellers in groups will continue to use the kiosks upon arrival. Additionally, the Advance CBSA Declaration feature within the ArriveCAN app remains mandatory for submitting travel and health information before flying into Canada. This app allows eligible travellers to make their declarations up to 72 hours in advance.
The CBSA's Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region is committed to facilitating legitimate travel while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians. In 2022, GTA officers made significant seizures, including suspected narcotics, weapons, and prohibited items. They also played a crucial role in welcoming Afghan refugees and Ukrainian nationals through Toronto Pearson International Airport, demonstrating the region's dedication to supporting international travellers during challenging times.
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Seizures by CBSA officers in Toronto
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in Toronto are responsible for investigating, detecting, and apprehending violators of the Customs Act. They work to prevent inadmissible goods from entering Canada, including narcotics, weapons, food, plants, animals, and general commodities. From January 1 to October 31, 2022, CBSA officers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) made 13,723 seizures, including suspected narcotics and weapons such as firearms and replica firearms.
One notable seizure that took place during this period was the interception of 4.32 kg of suspected methamphetamine at Toronto Pearson International Airport's Commercial Operations District. Additionally, CBSA officers have made significant strides in increasing opioid and narcotic seizures through better intelligence, targeted searches, and exit checks. For example, in the first three quarters of 2024/2025, they seized 4.59 kilograms of fentanyl, a 770% increase over the same period in 2023. They also prevented more than 320 kilograms of opiates and 22,000 kilograms of other narcotics from entering Canada.
The CBSA's Southern Ontario border district has improved its intelligence-gathering and sharing capabilities, allowing for more effective physical searches of targeted vehicles. This has been crucial in combating drug and contraband smuggling attempts. The CBSA also utilizes detector dogs like Tiva, who has over 200 seizures attributed to her and is highly skilled at detecting narcotics, firearms, organic matter, and currency.
The CBSA's enforcement actions include seizures of illicit drugs, firearms, and intercepted stolen vehicles. They work closely with the police to stop stolen vehicles from leaving the country and actively contribute to economic stability through their Trade Program in the GTA.
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Welcoming Afghan refugees and Ukrainian nationals
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in Toronto has played a crucial role in facilitating the entry of Afghan refugees and Ukrainian nationals into the country. Between January 1 and October 31, 2022, CBSA officers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region facilitated the arrival of close to nine million travellers through Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA).
As part of a Government of Canada rescue mission, the CBSA GTA Region welcomed 16 flights of Afghan refugees at TPIA, landing a total of 5,081 passengers. This contributes to the over 15,000 Afghan refugees welcomed by Canada since August 2021, including vulnerable individuals such as women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted minorities, and journalists. Canada's humanitarian program focuses on resettling Afghan nationals without a durable solution in a third country, and the country has committed $1.3 billion over six years to facilitate their safe passage and resettlement.
Additionally, since its inception in March, Canada's Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program has welcomed over 40,000 Ukrainian nationals at TPIA. The CUAET program helps Ukrainians and their family members enter Canada quickly and provides them with the ability to work and study in the country. The UCC Welcome Desk at Pearson Airport, Terminal 1, greets Ukrainian newcomers with the help of volunteers who provide key information and a friendly face.
Canadians have shown their support for Afghan and Ukrainian refugees through various initiatives. Charity Intelligence provides tips on how to help effectively, and organizations like UJA Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund and B'nai Brith Canada Emergency Ukrainian Relief Fund accept monetary and supply donations. JVS Toronto assists newcomers with employment services and has helped thousands of refugees find work in Ontario. IBM Canada and Loblaw, one of Canada's top food retailers, have also created hiring programs for individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine. These collective efforts reflect Canada's commitment to providing protection and assistance to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
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Frequently asked questions
The CBSA office is located in Terminal 1 of Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The CBSA’s GTA Region facilitates legitimate travel and trade while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians.
CBSA officers have intercepted narcotics, weapons (including firearms and replicas), and various contraband items at the airport.
The CBSA has introduced electronic gates (eGates) in Terminal 1, providing an alternative self-service option for primary processing and customs declaration.
