Funding includes arming border agents

Canada's proposed federal budget calls for more spending on border and port security as well as arming Customs border staff-a first for the country. Specifically, the budget allocates $101 million to arm Canada Border Services Agency officers, starting at high-traffic ports of entry. A total of $303 million is set aside to accommodate low-risk trade as part of a controversial U.S. plan to require passports for anyone entering the United States.

Canada is also working with the U.S. “to harmonize security regulations for all cargo in all modes of transportation in order to facilitate trade and enhance security.” This includes $172 million over two years to develop and electronic filing system for road and rail shipments. The budget also provides funding for Canada's Partners in Protection program to “explore greater links” with the U.S.' Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

Funding is also earmarked for the Pacific gateway ports of Vancouver and a new container port being built at Prince Rupert, British Columbia.