CBSA Extends Border Clearance Services to Amtrak

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 24, 2011) - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Minister Responsible for BC, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, the extension of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border clearance services to Amtrak's second daily train, which travels from Seattle, Washington, to Vancouver, British Columbia.

"The extension of these services will ensure Canada continues to be a top destination for tourism," said Minister Moore. "The services the CBSA provides play an important role in the promotion of trade, tourism and regional economic development."

Border clearance services were initially expanded to support the increase in traffic resulting from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and are now being extended based on a business case submitted by the Washington State Department of Transportation, on behalf of Amtrak.

"The Government of Canada is committed to the free flow of legitimate goods and people across the shared border with the United States, by providing the flexibility necessary for the CBSA and AMTRAK to process the ongoing demand for their services," said Minister Moore. "In making a decision to expand services for passenger clearance, the CBSA makes every effort to reach solutions that will benefit Canadians while ensuring security requirements are not compromised."

The CBSA reviews core services provided at all eligible sites annually, to confirm they meet the criteria for border clearance services, enabling the CBSA to assess whether the addition or expansion of services at the requesting eligible site is viable and sustainable.