The CBSA carries out its responsibilities with a total workforce of over 18,000 employees, including over 8,600 front line employees who provide services at 1,200 ports of entry across Canada and in 36 countries. In Canada, this includes 117 land border crossings, 27 rail sites, 13 international airports, three major ports, mail processing centers and numerous marinas and reporting stations.

in the early 2000s, during a period of transformation for the CBSA and the broader public service, a group of employees saw the need for a platform where new and experienced staff could collaborate, learn from one another, and contribute to the Agency’s strategic direction. They called it Next Generation Network (NGN).

What began as a grassroots initiative quickly gained traction due to its alignment with employee needs and the Agency’s broader modernization goals. Today, it has evolved into a community of over 700 dynamic, engaged, and forward-thinking professionals with representatives from various regions of Canada and Agency branches.

The NGN exists to foster innovation and create opportunities for networking among CBSA’s employees and act as a mechanism to create a working space for the exchange of ideas between young professionals and management.

Through programs, events, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the NGN enables employees to:

• Learn more about the Agency and its operational context.
• Practice and develop career-building skills, including enhancing leadership skills.
• Establish professional relationships across functions and regions, across the country and overseas.
• Contribute to the culture of collaboration and innovation within the CBSA.

The Network’s vision is to:

• Foster inclusivity and representation from all regions of Canada and at all levels of the CBSA.
• Promote continuous learning and knowledge transfer.
• Prepare the next generation of leaders and decision-makers within the Agency.

The NGN’s structure reflects its national mandate and commitment to cross-regional collaboration. The Network is led by a team of employees responsible for strategic planning, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement.

The Network is composed of:

• One Champion: a senior executive who provides strategic oversight, advocacy, and visibility at the executive level
• Minimum of two co-chairs responsible for operational leadership, coordination of national initiatives, and liaison with Agency leadership
• Minimum of five steering committee members embedded across various CBSA branches and regions to ensure regional representation and contribute fully to events and planning.

To ensure meaningful national coverage, the NGN strives to have at least one steering committee member in each CBSA region. These members play a vital role in ensuring that regional voices are incorporated into the network’s programming and that activities reflect the needs of employees across the country. The NGN values the diverse experience of the team, having members from various positions including frontline and non-frontline employees. A range of backgrounds support the NGN’s ability to offer curated and meaningful opportunities to employees.

While the NGN does not have dedicated funding nor full-time dedicated employees, the Champion can solicit Agency funds as needs present themselves.

The network’s value lies in its ability to translate its mission into impactful initiatives that can sometimes take complicated topics and showcase them in a way that corresponds to an audience’s knowledge level.

One of NGN’s most successful initiatives is the CBSA National Mentoring Program, which facilitates structured mentoring relationships between employees. This program serves as a powerful tool for career development, knowledge transfer, and leadership growth. Since its inception, it has led to more than 500 mentorship matches. Mentees have gained insight into career pathways, enhanced their professional confidence, and received targeted advice. Mentors have developed coaching skills and benefited from fresh perspectives.

The Program is open to employees at all levels and functions. It has become a foundational element of CBSA’s talent development ecosystem and contributes directly to succession planning and employee retention.

This ongoing series brings together employees from across the country to share their knowledge, experiences, and operational insights, offering a unique window into the diverse and critical work happening throughout the Agency and contributing to a shared sense of purpose among employees.

Eight sessions are to be organized, and feedback has been so far overwhelmingly positive: 97% of respondents expressed interest in attending future sessions, and 96% found the content to be directly useful. To date, the series has hosted presentations attended by over 4,000 participants,. Two categories of speakers are invited:

• Internal speakers: CBSA professionals from various branches share operational best practices, and innovations from the field.
• External speakers: Experts from academia, industry, and other government departments – such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police –highlight partnerships and shared initiatives.

The NGN plays a proactive role in supporting students who join the CBSA through co-op placements (a structured program where students alternate between academic semesters and work terms, typically gaining experience in their field of study), internships, and summer employment programs. These early career professionals are essential to the future of the Agency, and the Network ensures they receive a positive and enriching experience.

Through its student branch, the NGN has conducted eight distinct initiatives, including four in-person events, providing students with tailored networking, professional development, and engagement opportunities.

Key student engagement activities include:

• Student Socials: Informal networking events that help students integrate into the workplace and build professional relationships.
• Port of Entry Tours: these provide a unique on-the-ground perspective of operational environments, offer valuable insights into front-line operations and help bridge the gap between policy and practice. The tours include visits at the Ottawa International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, and the Lansdowne Port of Entry.
• Lunch and Learn Sessions: Thematic sessions where CBSA professionals share insights on career development, operational practices, and public service values in a casual, engaging format.

These initiatives help orient students, demystify the job of a border officer, boost confidence, provide a sense of belonging, and encourage consideration of long-term careers with the CBSA.  NGN Student employee representatives also provide a unique perspective and input on students preferred developmental opportunities.

A cornerstone of the NGN’s approach is its regular collaboration with other Canadian government departments and agencies to host events, share best practices, and promote innovation across the public service.

Examples of interdepartmental collaboration include:

• Joint Speaker Panels: Co-hosted events with other departments on leadership, diversity, and innovation in public service.
• Interdepartmental Language Interchange Program: engaging 15 Canadian government departments, the Program offers employees the possibility to learn a language and participate in cultural exchanges, fostering a broader community of linguistic and cultural enrichment. It is an extension of CBSA Language Exchange Program.
• Mentorship Exchanges: Collaboration with other government networks to facilitate cross-departmental mentoring opportunities.
• Public Service-Wide Learning Events: Participation in events led by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS), the Canadian government’s official learning institution, and the Federal Youth Network, that connects and supports young and new public servants across Canada.

These partnerships help build a more interconnected and agile public service, while also raising CBSA’s profile as a leader in employee engagement and professional development.

The Next Generation Network is more than a professional development initiative. It is a national community that embodies the values of leadership, collaboration, and service.

Looking ahead, the NGN remains committed to evolving and enhancing its programming to meet the diverse and growing needs of its members. The Network will continue to build on the momentum of current initiatives by integrating feedback, exploring new formats, and strengthening partnerships across the Agency and the Canadian public service. As the CBSA continues to modernize and face new challenges, the NGN will remain a cornerstone of its workforce strategy – empowering today’s professionals and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

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