As it moves toward arming Canada's border officers, the government says that about 400 officers — far more than previously reported — have offered to teach their colleagues how to handle guns.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it needs at least 20 weapons trainers for the first phase of the program through early 2008.

Canadian border officers have long asked to be armed like their U.S. counterparts.
(CBC)

To get the jobs, candidates must get past written tests, hiring-board interviews and psychological screening intended to weed out unsuitable individuals.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced in August that about 4,400 officers at border crossings and seaports will be issued handguns over 10 years.

The CBSA said on Monday that the first armed officers are scheduled to be on the job by August. Between 250 and 300 will be fully trained and armed by the following March, it said.

On Wednesday, the agency provided further details of the trainer-selection process and revised some figures it cited previously in response to questions from CBC Online.

"The opportunity to become a trainer was open to employees who occupy positions in the CBSA across Canada," it said in a statement.

"Out of the nearly 400 applicants, approximately 185 candidates remain in the competitive process. All of these individuals are currently undergoing a written test.

"We expect that approximately 70-75 candidates will be successful and will be required to undergo psychological testing and face-to-face selection board interviews.

"These two steps will be taken during the months of January and February, with psychological testing scheduled for the month of February.

"Overall, a minimum of 20 of trainers will be needed for the first phase of the initiative up to March 2008."

In arming the officers, Harper's Conservatives are keeping an election promise.

Backed by their union, many officers lobbied for years to be allowed to carry guns like their U.S. counterparts.

Groups of officers have periodically left their posts, saying their lives were in danger, when armed suspects were reported to be heading for the border.