The Justice Institute of Canada and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency today signed an agreement which will see the creation of a new program, Basic Customs Inspectors Recruit Program. The new program will be offered at The Justice Institute in Slemon Park, Prince Edward Island.

As part of the new program, Customs recruits are required to complete a work term at Canada Customs and Revenue sites in Atlantic Canada. The majority of the recruits will be from the Atlantic region and seek work term placements close to their homes. With the new program in place, the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency offers a great opportunity for Customs recruits to perform their work term in their home town communities.

"In creating this partnership with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, the recruits will have an opportunity to perform their work term in Agency detachments and offices across Atlantic Canada," stated Mr. Allan Swim, Executive Director of The Justice Institute of Canada. "Students will apply through the Justice Institute, be tested prior to their acceptance into the program by the Agency and will be under the supervision of a fully trained, experienced Customs Inspector. Through their work term placement, recruits will be able to put into practice the skills and knowledge they have acquired at The Justice Institute and be prepared for employment in the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency."

Mr. John Dolimount, Director, Customs, Central New Brunswick District stated, "The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is very pleased to be partnered with The Justice Institute in this Memorandum of Understanding. The Justice Institute has a proven record of professional instruction and through this new program, Canada Customs will have a highly trained pool of potential employees."

Dolimount went on to say that Canada Customs like many law enforcement agencies is and will continue to experience a significant attrition rate over the next decade. Through the Basic Customs Inspectors Recruit program, students will be able to receive a high level of instruction in basic Customs laws and procedures as well as a full slate of enforcement related instruction. "As the role of the Customs Inspector continues to evolve, graduates of this program will be very well prepared for the challenging job as a Customs Inspector of the future."

The Justice Institute of Canada expects to begin the sixteen week program in the Spring of 2003. Further information on the program including a call for applications, admission requirements, and specific start dates will be announced in September 2002.