Key Takeaways
- A Canadian senator is proposing a trusted traveller program that would allow Canadians to quickly pass through airport security lines without relying on the US-based Nexus program.
- The proposed program would cost taxpayers $7 million over five years, with an estimated application fee of $50 per person.
- The program would provide faster screening and Canadian border entry for verified travellers, without the need to apply through the Nexus program.
- The proposal has the backing of the Canadian Airports Council and addresses concerns about discrimination against trans, non-binary, and two-spirit individuals who are currently required to choose a binary gender marker on Nexus applications.
Introduction to the Proposal
The decline in Canadian travel to the United States has led to a call for a Canadian-specific program that would allow travellers to quickly pass through airport security lines. Senator Paula Simons has introduced a motion in the upper chamber to implement a trusted traveller program that would be separate from the US-based Nexus program. This program would provide a faster and more efficient way for Canadians to travel, without relying on the Nexus program, which is run jointly with the US.
Current Security Measures
Currently, some Canadian airports have separate security lines for "verified travellers" who have undergone extensive background checks. These individuals, including members of the armed forces, RCMP, and some local police officers, are able to access these lines for quicker clearance. However, the only way for a member of the general public to become a verified traveller is through the Nexus program, which requires an interview with both Canadian and American border agents. Since 2023, Canadians have had to travel to the US to complete the interview process, which has made it more difficult for Canadians to access the program.
The Proposed Program
The program proposed by Senator Simons would not include some of the perks of the Nexus program, such as quick passage through US customs. However, it would provide a separate and distinct program for Canadians who want to access faster security lines without having to rely on the US-based Nexus program. The program would be owned and controlled by Canada, and would provide a more efficient and streamlined process for Canadians to travel. The proposed program would also address concerns about discrimination against trans, non-binary, and two-spirit individuals who are currently required to choose a binary gender marker on Nexus applications.
Costs and Benefits
The Parliamentary Budget Office has estimated that the proposed program would cost taxpayers $7 million over five years, with an estimated application fee of $50 per person. However, Senator Simons argues that the program could break even with a slightly higher fee, and points out that the Nexus application costs $120 US. The Canadian Airports Council has also expressed support for the proposal, citing the need for a domestic trusted traveller program that is owned and controlled by Canada.
Support and Next Steps
The proposal has the backing of the Canadian Airports Council, and Senator Simons anticipates that her motion could be voted on in the coming months. If it passes, she is optimistic that the government would move on the idea. The proposal addresses a number of concerns, including the need for a more efficient and streamlined process for Canadians to travel, as well as concerns about discrimination against certain groups. With the decline in Canadian travel to the US, it is likely that the proposal will receive significant attention and consideration in the coming months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proposal for a trusted traveller program that is separate from the Nexus program is an important step towards providing a more efficient and streamlined process for Canadians to travel. The program would address concerns about discrimination, provide faster screening and Canadian border entry, and would be owned and controlled by Canada. With the support of the Canadian Airports Council and the potential for the program to break even with a slightly higher fee, it is likely that the proposal will receive significant consideration in the coming months. As Senator Simons noted, "You might still want a Nexus card. But for Canadians who are not interested in traveling to the United States or have stopped traveling to the United States as much as they did in the past, it would be an option."