Cross-border Plan Could Relieve Travel Headaches
The recently announced "Beyond the Border" program could be a long-term boon for both the U.S. and Canada. But what does it mean for businesses and travellers?
Sitting for three hours at the Peace Arch Border Crossing is not exactly how I like to spend a leisurely afternoon. But, like many Vancouverites who truck goods or hop the border for the day to the U.S., the headache of a long wait is all too familiar.
Prime Minister Harper and President Obama recently announced a new deal to streamline processes for businesses transporting cargo in either direction across the border, cut wait times and add more NEXUS lanes for travellers who pass an interview and application process.
As a Yank myself and frequent daytripper to the U.S., I certainly hope their promise lives up to the hype.
The congested border costs Canada an estimated $16 billion each year, or about 1 per cent of our country’s GDP. Obviously the so-called “Beyond the Border” plan isn’t coming a moment too soon.
The deal does offer sensible solutions to cut through regulatory red tape, especially for businesses. The proposed “cleared once, accepted twice” policy will clear imported goods at a designated port or in a company’s factory so they won’t need to be inspected again at the border.
Vancouver will also directly benefit with a new truck examination facility, which will accelerate inspections and help alleviate traffic.
However, the deal feels a little more Big Brother for daytrippers. Both countries will share enhanced tracking information on when and where travellers enter and exit each country. Both countries will also attempt to identify “threatening travellers” and criminals on each side of the border who might cross.
Sounds like Uncle Sam may be imposing his enhanced security measures on Canadian bargain hunters and business travellers.
Some of the programs will take years to implement, so only time – and future border crossings – will tell whether we’ll see any improvement. Here’s hoping a quick trip across the border will soon really mean an efficient crossing.
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