Public safety minister launches investigation into Facebook postings

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day has launched an investigation into the online postings of recruits undergoing training in Quebec to become border guards.

On Monday, CBC News revealed that recruitsin the training program of the Canada Border Services Agency had posted photographs of themselves drinking while in uniform, called Prime Minister Harpera serial killer, and referred to French Canadians as "f---ing bastards," allon the website Facebook.

Facebook is a popular social networking website that allows members to post pictures online and have group discussions. There are no restrictions on who can join.

On Tuesday afternoon, Day's office issued the following statement: "I was very concerned after watching media reports on allegations of improper conduct and hateful language from employees and recruits of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

"I immediately directed my officials to look into these allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action where warranted. Canada's New Government has zero tolerance for such hateful language and inappropriate behaviour, it is simply not acceptable," Day's statement said.

"It is regretful that the report on a small number of individuals has reflected poorly on the CBSA," said the statement, which was posted on the Public Safety Ministry's website.