Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently entered into an agreement to improve mutual security and expedite lawful travel.
The pact fulfills a commitment from the Beyond the Border Action Plan, a 2011 joint declaration that the countries would work together to address threats.
The agreement establishes the legal framework and reciprocal authorities for the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to carry out inspection and security processes in the other country.
“Preclearance strengthens economic competitiveness and mutual security and benefits travelers by expediting their clearance into the U.S. before they ever leave Canada,” Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan said. “This agreement provides the opportunity for CBP to build on six decades of successful operations and, for the first time, to conduct full preclearance in the rail, ferry, and cruise ship environments. This achievement is important for the Department’s security objectives and is another example of just how close the U.S. – Canada relationship stands.”
Preclearance is when officers stationed abroad inspect and make decisions about travelers and their baggage before they leave a foreign port.
The United States currently conducts preclearance operations at eight Canadian airports and rail and marine locations.