News

Canada pilots efficient border-crossing technology

May 29, 2013

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will proceed with a remote traveler processing pilot at Morses Line, Quebec, in April 2015. The pilot project is part of the Small and Remote Ports of Entry Initiative, one of the deliverables under the Beyond the Border Action Plan, a project initiated by President Obama and Canada's Prime Minister Harper in 2011.

The objectives of the pilot are to test the viability and potential benefits of expanding remote traveler processing at select small and remote ports of entry as a way to maintain border integrity and access to needed border services while increasing efficiency, according to the news release.

The pilot project is only open to Canadian and American citizens, Canadian permanent residents and lawful permanent residents of the United States, and will not require any pre-registration. Security measures will be enhanced to ensure that risks are mitigated.

During the pilot project, travelers arriving at the port of entry after hours will be processed by a border services officer located at a remote processing center and operating through a two-way audio and one-way video kiosk. Cameras will be installed to allow the officer to see the traveler and the vehicle. No changes will occur during regular business hours and travelers will be processed according to normal procedures.

"Through the Beyond the Border Action Plan, our government is committed to ensuring safe and efficient border crossings for Canadian and American travellers and trade," said Minister of State Maxime Bernier, in the release. "The pilot project at Morses Line will improve access to border services for travellers into Canada after regular hours of service, while maintaining high security standards."

Read more about kiosks in transportation and travel.