CBSA to receive funding for border modernization and infrastructure security

The federal government Monday introduced its first budget in two years with spending plans that addressed the current pandemic as well as Canada post-recovery.

In addition to the measures that spoke to everything from broadband infrastructure to climate goals, several points also impact Canada’s security posture.

According to a Canadian Press report, the Canada Border Serves Agency (CBSA) is to receive $656.1 million over five years and $123.8 million on an ongoing for border modernization. Those efforts would include touchless and automated systems, contraband detection systems and infrastructure security.

The budget also earmarked $82.5 million for Canadian airports this year for COVID-19 testing, $6.7 million for sanitization equipment and $271 million for pandemic screening efforts.

The government has set aside $50 over two years to help those suffering from PTSD and mental trauma as a result of the pandemic.