It has been a busy year for Canada Border Services Agency and its officers working at points of entry in the northern Ontario region.
Canada Border Services says more than six million travellers arriving by air, land or marine between January and October were processed.
That is a 28% increase over the same period in 2023.
The Northern Ontario region takes in seven land ports of entry, two rail crossings, and several seasonal and marine ports of entry.
Border services officers also processed over 338,000 commercial vehicles, clearing over 421,000 commercial goods and 619,000 courier shipments across the border.
“Border services officers in the Northern Ontario Region worked diligently to keep our border secured and Canadians safe,” states Jag Johnston, the Regional Director General.
“Each day, they manage the flow of people and goods to keep inadmissible persons, harmful substances and prohibited weapons out of our communities. I thank them for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out this important work.”
Ninety-eight individuals were denied entry because of past criminal records while officers were involving the deportation of 91 other people in the country illegally.
Officers also saw an increase in weapons that some travellers tried to bring into Canada but did not report.
Seventy-three firearms were taken from travellers, an over 60% increase over last year.
Another 180 other weapons such as prohibited knives, stun guns and tasers were also seized.
Officers were also involved in 745 narcotic seizures.
Several motorists were also apprehended at the border for impaired driving.
