Preclearance operations in Canada are set to proceed with two projects this year

Canada and the United States say two preclearance projects will proceed this year, and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa described preclearance in Canada as a "critical component" of its extended border strategy.

Canada and the United States say two preclearance projects that would allow more travellers to be screened before crossing the border are set to proceed this year after many months of planning. The assurances followed comments by U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra that raised questions about the future of some preclearance arrangements. Public Safety Canada describes preclearance as pushing the border out so officials can screen people and goods before they cross. The arrangement already operates at several Canadian locations and is part of ongoing discussions about possible expansion. Details: - U.S. Customs and Border Protection currently operates preclearance at eight major Canadian airports and a ferry terminal at Prince Rupert, B.C. - Public Safety Canada says three out of five travellers pre-cleared to enter the United States depart from Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal, and more than 16 million people were pre-cleared from Canada in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2024. - The U.S. Embassy in Ottawa said CBP "regularly and continuously assesses staffing and resources" and that preclearance operations in Canada "remain a critical component" of its extended border strategy. - The preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is complete; the airport reported training and testing are underway and officials expect operations to begin by spring. - Plans for a Canada Border Services Agency preclearance site at Cannon Corners, N.Y., are delayed while policy revisions and minor infrastructure work are finalized, and other proposed locations remain under discussion. Summary: The U.S. Embassy and Canadian officials say two preclearance projects will move forward this year and describe preclearance as central to the extended border approach. One facility at Billy Bishop appears ready for final operational steps, while several other proposed sites and the Cannon Corners implementation have no firm launch dates. Undetermined at this time.