(Formerly Beyond Preclearance)
Principles to Implement a Phased Approach for Easing Canada-U.S. Border Closures and Other Travel Restrictions
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On September 16, 2020, PNWER endorsed the Future Borders Coalition's principles for easing Canada-U.S. border closures and other travel restrictions. The extension of the non-essential travel restrictions between Canada and the U.S. have a detrimental effect on our region's valuable cross-border trade and travel relationship. A safe, well-coordinated, and phased easing of border restrictions is needed to ensure that our region remains strong and competitive.
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In 2015, PNWER established a Preclearance Taskforce to provide input on the expected benefits with agencies on both sides of the border prior to and during the implementation of the U.S.-Canada Preclearance Agreement. The Taskforce has held monthly calls to share information across the northern border on the challenges, process, timeline, and implementation for the past 3 years. This stakeholder engagement has helped with increased outreach and engagement from federal partners to our cross-border carriers in the Pacific Northwest. PNWER was instrumental in securing implementation legislation in the U.S. and Canada.
As the 2015 Agreement moves to full implementation across major transportation modes, stakeholders are pressing for more coordinated, efficient, and secure ways to allow legitimate low-risk goods and travelers to cross the border. As the trading relationship evolves between the U.S. and Canada, it is even more important now to press the reset button to progress border cooperation further to benefit travel, trade, tourism, and the national security interests of both countries.
As the 2015 Agreement moves to full implementation across major transportation modes, stakeholders are pressing for more coordinated, efficient, and secure ways to allow legitimate low-risk goods and travelers to cross the border. As the trading relationship evolves between the U.S. and Canada, it is even more important now to press the reset button to progress border cooperation further to benefit travel, trade, tourism, and the national security interests of both countries.
Events & News
Canada and the U.S. Announce Implementation of Canada-U.S. Preclearance Agreement
On August 15, 2019, Canada and the U.S. announced the implementation of the Canada-U.S. Preclearance Agreement. This has been a major initiative for PNWER, and we are proud of our role in helping to bring about this cross-border cooperation.
“Preclearance strengthens economic competitiveness and mutual security, and benefits travelers by expediting their clearance into the U.S. before they ever leave Canada,” said U.S. Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan.
“The new Canada–U.S. Preclearance Agreement is now in force, creating new opportunities in all modes of transportation in both Canada and the United States,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “Expanding preclearance makes travel faster and bolsters trade, while better protecting our rights.”
Read the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Statement
Read the Public Safety Canada Statement
“Preclearance strengthens economic competitiveness and mutual security, and benefits travelers by expediting their clearance into the U.S. before they ever leave Canada,” said U.S. Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan.
“The new Canada–U.S. Preclearance Agreement is now in force, creating new opportunities in all modes of transportation in both Canada and the United States,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “Expanding preclearance makes travel faster and bolsters trade, while better protecting our rights.”
Read the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Statement
Read the Public Safety Canada Statement
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Transportation Border Summit
Washington, D.C. | April 25, 2019 In order to maintain the momentum generated during 2018, the Beyond Preclearance Coalition, in partnership with the US and Canadian Chambers of Commerce, hosted a Transportation Border Summit on 25 April 2019 in Washington DC, in the US Chamber’s Hall of Flags. The Summit included keynote speakers, bi-national government and industry panels, and discussions on the establishment of working groups to advance short term priorities for border innovation. |
Photos provided courtesy of Olivier Douliery/ U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Beyond Preclearance Coalition
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PNWER along with the Vancouver Airport Authority are co-chairing the Beyond Preclearance Coalition, a group of bi-national organizations with a vested interest in advancing the efficiency and security of the U.S.-Canada border. Together, the coalition commissioned a White Paper to explore multi-modal opportunities going forward.
Further details can be found at the Beyond Preclearance website. Check out the member organizations below. |
Graphic Courtesy of Beyond Preclearance and YVR Aviation Border Summit II. PNWER is a partner organization in the Beyond Preclearance Coalition.
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Member Organizations
