Cameras replace border guards at small Quebec crossing [View all]

By Alison Northcott, CBC News

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/border-crossing-quebec-1.3823721

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At a tiny crossing between Quebec and Vermont, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is testing out new technology experts say could be the future of border control for small and remote crossings across the country.

Others say the pilot project sets a dangerous precedent and presents a threat to public security.

When you arrive at the Morses Line crossing from the U.S. side after 4 p.m., you aren't greeted by border guards.

Instead, non-commercial travellers drive into a garage equipped with powerful cameras, operated by a border agent hundreds of kilometres away, in Hamilton, Ont.

"The person in Hamilton has complete control of the port of entry," said Claudia Rosetti, a superintendent for the CBSA in an interview.

"They have access to the same systems in order to make the verifications as if the office were open, and the officer were on site."


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