Government Relations Report Johanne Blain First Vice-President This summer, CSA representatives participated in an engagement session organized by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding their travel modernization program – a multiyear initiative seeking to provide safe, efficient and modern voluntary digital tools to enhance the travel experience for Canadians and visitors crossing the border into Canada. The purpose of this consultation was to reach out to various stakeholders, including the Canadian Snowbird Association (CSA), to receive feedback about a series of initiatives currently under development by CBSA. CBSA plans to host additional consultation sessions throughout the coming months and years in which the CSA will continue to participate, to ensure that the voices of our members are heard. When crossing the border into Canada, CBSA already provides travellers with the option of using digital tools. Two of the most notable examples are: ▶ Completing your customs and immigration declaration in advance when arriving at certain Canadian international airports, using Advance Declaration via the ArriveCAN app on your smartphone or computer to access express lanes; and ▶ Using a digital kiosk or eGate to verify your identity quickly and securely. CBSA is currently in the process of expanding these technologies and producing new, self-service digital tools to create a more seamless experience for travellers. For example, the ability to submit an Advance Declaration prior to crossing the border will not only be available to air travellers, but to travellers entering Canada via the land and sea borders as well. Use of the Advance Declaration will remain voluntary and travellers will continue to have the option of being processed in person by a border services officer. Additionally, as part of the travel modernization initiative, new border-related features will become available in ArriveCAN. Through the use of smartphones and other devices, CBSA will implement a digital traveller experience which will: ▶ Allow travellers to transmit vehicle, biographic and biometric identity information to the CBSA before arriving in Canada; ▶ Enable the electronic submission of select, paper-based forms; and ▶ Provide an electronic alternative reporting method for travellers entering Canada at a location at which there is no CBSA presence. Canada Border Services Agency intends to implement a phased approach to increasing the use of these digital tools to more travellers. Initially, CBSA will enhance the ArriveCAN application and expand the Advance Declaration to those entering Canada at a land port of entry. The next phase will include use of the Advance Declaration for travellers entering Canada by sea. One of the initiatives that the Canadian Snowbird Association has been pushing the federal government to adopt is updating the arrival process for pleasure boaters returning to Canada. Currently, when coming back to Canada, Canadian boat operators with vessels carrying fewer than 30 passengers are required to report their return to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in one of two ways. Boaters can choose to travel to an open marine reporting site, contact CBSA’s Telephone Reporting Centre and request clearance to enter Canada; or they can report directly in person at one of the open designated marine reporting site locations staffed by CBSA. These methods for reporting are antiquated and require updating in order to streamline the return process for both boat operators and Canada Border Services Agency. Looking at other jurisdictions, such as the United States, we see how these new digital tools can effectively modernize the arrival process. Since 2018, American pleasure boaters returning to the United States have been able to report their return through the CBP ROAM app, a free mobile application which allows boaters to report their return through their personal smart device or tablet. Once the application is downloaded to a smart device, travellers are required to input traveller and mode of transportation information, which is then saved to their profile. Upon their return, boaters can report their arrival electronically through the app, which then prompts CBP to conduct a video call interview with a customs officer. Once the interview is conducted, boaters will receive confirmation of approval for their re-entry back into the United States. We are pleased that CBSA is addressing our concerns as part of their travel modernization program. By leveraging new technology, the arrival process will be made easier for Canadians returning back to Canada. As the travel modernization initiative progresses over the coming years, the CSA will continue to notify our members of any developments and how these will impact their border-crossing experience. Gilles and I wish you safe travels. CSANews | FALL 2024 | 11
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