Posted at 1:00 p.m.
We have read Michael Fortier’s opinion piece, “The Management of Current Affairs”, and would like to provide a few clarifications:
– as a result of the evolution of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has removed all border measures relating to COVID-19. Travelers no longer need to submit their medical information or proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN as of 1er October 2022;
– ArriveCAN is now an optional tool for travelers who want to save time at airports by providing their customs and immigration declaration in advance to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA);
– the CBSA Advance Declaration option is currently available to travelers arriving at Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg and Halifax airports and will be introduced in the coming months at international airports from Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec, Billy Bishop Toronto and Ottawa.
– early data shows that using CBSA Advance Declaration reduces the time a traveler spends at a kiosk at participating airports by approximately one-third;
– the CBSA will continue to make available technological advancements at the border to expedite the entry of travelers and improve the safety and security of Canadians;
– CBSA is considering adding other optional features to ArriveCAN to provide travelers with easy access to information, such as border wait times and other self-service features. This will be extended to travelers moving overland so they can use the technology.