The Canada Border Services Agency has paid $3.1 million in settlements since 2020 involving workplace misconduct complaints, according to a parliamentary response reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.

The agency disclosed 91 settlements over the period and said every settlement agreement includes a confidentiality clause. Sixteen were reached last year in cases involving discrimination, abuse of authority or other misconduct, Blacklock’s reported.

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The figures were released in response to a question from Conservative MP Rhonda Kirkland of Oshawa, who asked about allegations including harassment, sexual harassment, workplace violence and retaliation. Over the same six-year period, the CBSA said it fired 46 employees for wrongdoing and suspended another 389. It reported no demotions or removals from supervisory positions.

The response also listed $150.5 million in legal fees, but the agency said that figure covers all legal services. It cannot be treated as the cost of defending misconduct complaints.

Kirkland has pressed for a parliamentary investigation after hearing from women who described alleged mistreatment at the agency, including an employee who said she was demoted while on sick leave for cancer treatment. Kirkland told a Commons committee that employees feared speaking out because they could lose jobs they valued.

The CBSA said a senior executive is reviewing the agency’s structures, policies and systems for addressing harassment and discrimination.