Why are custom officers in Canada not friendly?

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SteveN

It looks like you may be the "glass half empty" kind of person.

You say that the lady was rude. From my point of view based on what you said, she was being "prompt" or "efficient". Was there a huge lineup of cars or a long border wait time? Maybe she was trying to get you on your way with a minimum of delay. Was it the end of a long day or early morning?

Yes, she could have said "Hello" or "How are you folks doing today?" but I can give you a couple of things to consider"

1) She sees thousands of people each day and there are many people out there who do not have their paperwork ready, or are not courteous to the customs agent after a long border wait. ("...Walk a mile in my shoes...")

2) Every time I went to the customs on BOTH sides, I always try to be cheerful and say hello to them. I don't think I've ever had one that did not say hello back.

And if you say that she finished with "You're all set", to me that is the equivalent to someone saying "I tried to get you on your way as fast as possible, hope you have a nice day".

I work in customer service and have been on the receiving end of some pretty upset people. You don't have to be "friendly" and "engaging", but you always want to be respectful to the client. I don't really see a rude attitude here in your scenario, but maybe I'm not as sensitive to these things.

If you did not like the service at that border crossing, perhaps try a different one next time. Some of the smaller rural ports of entry have very friendly officers, except they may only be open at certain times.

essential

Jim B says: The inspector that you saw will deal with at least 1,000 people per shift on a busy day shift.

So you think this could be a good excuse for an inspector to shoot you and / or kick you in the azz? is that what you're referring to............? so he / she has the right to treat you like a garbage bag? so the inspector says, oh I'm sorry sir, you know I had a rough day so please don't take it personal.Lets get real. They are "professionals" I repeat PROFESSIONALS and this is their job that's why they get paid.If they don't like what they are doing, dealing with 1000 people per shift, then here is the solution.Simply quit your job and leave it to someone who can handle it the way it supposed to be

Randy B

You consider this rude? I think a thicker skin is in order for you. These workers see thousands of cars each day and many people complain about the time it takes to get through. Secondary searches, extra questions..... And you get looked at and told "your all set" and allowed to leave? Sounds to me like she saw nothing wrong with your story and your documentation and was cutting you a break and all you can do is get upset about some informal (and not inappropriate) language?

Surely you must have other things to complain about. If you are that concerned then fine a complaint.

Chris I

I don't think they are all rude. I've crossed the border hundreds of times but only ever had one bad experience. I'm a Canadian from Quebec and I was entering at Kingston Ontario. The agent addressed me in rapid French, so I said "I beg your pardon". The idiot berated me for not speaking French to him. I was so angry at the idea that this guy was a federal employee that I actually filed a complaint.

Jim B

Do you understand that EACH car that is passing thru that individual inspection booth is allotted between 2 and 3 minutes of time , to be checked ?

The inspector that you saw will deal with at least 1,000 people per shift on a busy day shift. How about you try speaking to 1,000 people in a mall, and have to be "nice " to each one, while at the same time trying to catch the criminals, tax cheaters and child abductors, that cross our border , each day, coming from the USA? They are NOT customer service clerks at Wal Mart, they are sworn law enforcement officers, with the legal power to investigate and arrest you.

The CBSA does a very important job, one where you probably would not even qualify to go to the first interview.

Jim B. Toronto.

Once again, Jim B.'s answer is the best one.

I'm sorry your experiences at the border weren't the greatest but, as Jim said, yours was one of several thousand cars that pass through the border every single day.

Consider, too, that perhaps she herself was having a difficult day. By your post, it doesn't sound like she was especially harsh with you; perhaps it is you who expected too much from her. You mention attitude. I would suggest you check your own "attitude" before you complain about others.

thinkingtime

Perhaps you shouldn't cross the border any more if you don't like the service.

Maybe the officer picked up your own "sick and tired" attitude.

haapa_em1

I'd be mad to if I was Canadian.

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