Brockville - Gord Brown, MP for Leeds-Grenville, today applauded the government for delivering on a promise to reinforce security at Canada's border crossings.

"This issue is critical to our national security and our economy and it is an issue that I have supported and lobbied for in Ottawa," says Brown who a member of the Canada-US Parliamentary Association, the Canada-US Border Caucus and who is Chairing the review of Canada's Anti-Terrorism Act.

On August 31 Prime Minister Stephen Harper outlined the plan to improve border security throughout Canada.
"We are committed to a safe, secure and efficient border. It is vital to our economy, and will protect the safety and security of our local communities especially here in Leeds-Grenville where we have two international crossings," says Brown.

Strengthening Canada's border security means a positive change for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers. In the 2006 Budget, $101 million was committed over the next two years.

This means 400 new permanent border CBSA officers will be hired, so that officers are no longer required to work alone.

As well, 4,400 CBSA officers at land and marine Ports of Entry, as well as officers who perform enforcement functions inland, will be trained and equipped with side-arms.

"This continues to show that Canada's New Government believes in secure, efficient borders. This government is committed to getting things done for Canadian families and taxpayers," says Brown.