News Release

National 2009

Statement by the Canada Border Services Agency on the situation in Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, October 18, 2009 — Today, Mr. Rob Johnston, Director, Inland Enforcement, of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), provided an update regarding the passengers on the vessel that arrived at Ogden Point, British Columbia on October 17, 2009.

The individuals have been transported to the Lower Mainland, specifically a corrections facility in Vancouver, where the CBSA will continue to examine their admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Until the CBSA, along with its partners, conducts a thorough examination, the number of individuals being detained, their ages or their origin cannot be confirmed. All necessary steps are being taken to address this situation. We are acting quickly to meet the immediate personal and health needs of these individuals, and we are processing them in an efficient manner and in accordance with Canadian law. The CBSA is exercising due diligence in the screening of all the individuals for both security and criminal threats. The safety and security of Canadians remains the CBSA's priority. As it becomes available, information that can be shared publicly will be released.

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For media information:

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
613-957-6500