With a decline in Canadian travel to the United States, a senator from Alberta is urging the Canadian government to consider implementing a program specifically for Canadians to expedite airport security procedures.
Senator Paula Simons presented a motion in the Senate last autumn, calling on the federal government to establish a trusted traveller program for Canadian travelers. She highlighted the need for Canada to have its own program instead of relying on the existing Nexus arrangement with the U.S.
Under the current system, verified travelers, including members of the armed forces, RCMP, and certain police officers, have access to separate security lines at Canadian airports after undergoing thorough background checks. However, for the general public to become a verified traveler, participation in the Nexus program, jointly operated with the U.S., is currently the only option.
To become a Nexus member, Canadians must now travel to the U.S. for interviews with both Canadian and American border authorities, unlike before the pandemic when interviews were conducted in Canada.
Simons’ proposed program would not offer the same benefits as Nexus, such as expedited U.S. customs clearance, but it aims to provide an alternative for Canadians who do not frequently travel to the United States. The Parliamentary Budget Office estimated that the program would cost $7 million over five years, with an application fee of approximately $50 per person.
In support of Simons’ proposal, the Canadian Airports Council has suggested expanding enrollment eligibility to enhance screening efficiency. The council’s president, Monette Pasher, emphasized the importance of a domestic trusted traveler program controlled by Canada to enable more Canadians to benefit from expedited screening and border entry without relying on Nexus.
Simons argued that apart from the practical benefits, there is also a human rights aspect to establishing a Canadian trusted traveler program separate from the U.S., citing discriminatory practices in the Nexus application process, particularly regarding gender markers.
Simons is hopeful that her motion will be voted on in the coming months and expressed optimism that the government would consider moving forward with the idea.