Canadian Border Security (CBSA) Practice Exam

Who can be detained by the CBSA?

1. Anyone applying for a work permit

2. Individuals posing a threat to national security

3. Travelers without a passport

4. People applying for refugee status

The correct answer is: Individuals posing a threat to national security

The correct choice highlights that individuals posing a threat to national security can be detained by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). This is grounded in the agency's mandate to ensure national security and protect the safety of Canadians. When an individual is identified as a potential threat, whether through intelligence reports, past behavior, or other assessments, CBSA has the authority to detain that individual while further investigations or assessments are conducted. Detaining individuals posing a threat to national security is a critical measure to prevent risks that may harm the public or compromise Canada's safety. This aligns with legal frameworks, such as the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which allows for such actions to maintain the integrity of Canadian borders and security. In contrast, the other options do not inherently justify detention under the authority of the CBSA. For instance, individuals applying for a work permit or refugee status are generally in the process of seeking legal entry into Canada and are not automatically considered security risks. Moreover, travelers without a passport may face issues with admissibility but are not necessarily detained on grounds of national security alone. Thus, the appropriateness of detention hinges on demonstrated threats to safety rather than merely the status or actions of the individual.