[VitaminC]

As has already been pointed out, custums officers do a lot more than just guard borders.....They also work in warehouses checking to see that illicit material is not smuggled, check to see if you paid the proper tarriff on that thing you bought on ebay, work in offices, etc.....

We don't currently have border guards, we have customs officers. I think customs should be divided into different forces, one to deal with law enforcement issues and one to deal with revenue enforcement issues...

There's no point arming tax collectors.....but obviously people in law enforcement roles need to be armed...

In addition, I'll point out that ALL Canadians have the right to walk off a job if they are working in unsafe working conditions (Workplace Safety Act?).....A custom's officer without a gun leaving a shoot-out is the same as a chemical plant worker leaving a plant when the ventilation system stops working...

[Tman1]

Almighty1 Almighty1:

I agree 100% with arming our border "gurads" the problem I have is this-will they still run when confronted with a similar situation? As said earlier with good training an 18 year old kid can operate a weapon, but what training can be provided to keep them in their posts when we really need them to be there? Theses "guards" need to be an essential service. They cannot simply be allowed to walk off the border line. This is the front line of defence for this country. We can dump all the money we want into our army, and we should, but if we don't defend the front door from those who would wish to harm our way of life then whats the point at all?

All said they should not have walked off. They are not factory workers, some health and safety concerns are expected in a job like this. Giving them guns is nothing if they don't have the balls to "guard" us in the first place.

$1:

I agree 100% with arming our border "gurads" the problem I have is this-will they still run when confronted with a similar situation?

Why would you think that? Not sure what all the fuss is about Canadian agents running from their posts, they were not armed thus not equipped to deal with what was obviously an "American" problem. I sure as hell wouldn't stand there and get my ass shot off without a weapon.

$1:

As said earlier with good training an 18 year old kid can operate a weapon, but what training can be provided to keep them in their posts when we really need them to be there?

You're blowing this way out of proportion.

$1:

They cannot simply be allowed to walk off the border line.

If all they are armed with are taser guns and a nice bottle of pepper spray then yes they can. These people have families.

$1:

This is the front line of defence for this country. We can dump all the money we want into our army, and we should, but if we don't defend the front door from those who would wish to harm our way of life then whats the point at all?

From who, the Americans? Because thats the most likely threat Canada would ever face at the border.

[VitaminC]

Almighty1 Almighty1:

I agree 100% with arming our border "gurads" the problem I have is this-will they still run when confronted with a similar situation? As said earlier with good training an 18 year old kid can operate a weapon, but what training can be provided to keep them in their posts when we really need them to be there? Theses "guards" need to be an essential service. They cannot simply be allowed to walk off the border line. This is the front line of defence for this country. We can dump all the money we want into our army, and we should, but if we don't defend the front door from those who would wish to harm our way of life then whats the point at all?

All said they should not have walked off. They are not factory workers, some health and safety concerns are expected in a job like this. Giving them guns is nothing if they don't have the balls to "guard" us in the first place.

Do you think a cop without a gun would confront a gun-toting suspect if he didn't have a gun? No, he would move out of harm's way and call for backup.....it's called commen sense........They called for the RCMP, and moved to a position of safety......The media used terms like fled, run away etc.....to make the story more interesting......don't be duped by their manipulation....

[2Cdo]

Not often I get to say this but here goes Vitamin C. An honest to goodness sensible post without political bullshit mixed in. I agree 100% with the customs officers decisions (again they are not guards), when faced with a threat from firearms it is better to seek cover if you don't have the means to defend yourself. Like the man said, just some everyday common sense!

Maybe they should have used the old UN line "Halt or I'll yell halt again!"

[Knoss]

$1:

Do you think a cop without a gun would confront a gun-toting suspect if he didn't have a gun? No, he would move out of harm's way and call for backup.....it's called commen sense........They called for the RCMP, and moved to a position of safety......The media used terms like fled, run away etc.....to make the story more interesting......don't be duped by their manipulation....

Thats exactly it, I live near the US border and in Western Canada were there are numerous roads crossing the border illicite items are rarely taken though border crossing. Who do you think aprehends them? . Also if arms were drawn at a border crossing the guards would retreat into the office and call the police.

[harzer_knaller]

@Knoss No, Poland is not a member of the "Schengener Agreement", you may be able to imagine the reasons why, eh?
But Switzerland will soon join this agreement...

did you know that a citizen from poland only gets a 3-month-visa in Canada/USA and a German gets a 6-months-visa???