As the number of Canadians traveling to the United States decreases, an Alberta senator is advocating for the Canadian government to establish a unique program that would expedite travelers through airport security checkpoints.
Last autumn, Sen. Paula Simons tabled a motion in the Senate urging the federal government to introduce a trusted traveler initiative specifically for Canadians.
In an interview with CBC News, Simons highlighted the need for Canada to have its own dedicated fast-pass system for airport security, distinct from the current reliance on the Nexus program, which is a joint effort with the U.S.
Some Canadian airports already offer separate security lines for “verified travelers,” individuals who have undergone thorough background checks, including members of the armed forces, RCMP, and select local police officers.
Under the existing system, the primary pathway for the general public to become a verified traveler is through the Nexus program, which necessitates an interview with both Canadian and American border officers.
However, as of 2023, Canadians are required to travel to the U.S. for the Nexus interview process, which was previously conducted in Canada before the pandemic.
Simons’ proposed program aims to establish a Canadian-specific verified traveler system, distinct from Nexus, to cater to individuals who do not frequently travel to the United States.
The Parliamentary Budget Office recently released a report estimating that the program would cost taxpayers $7 million over five years, factoring in application fees and operational expenses.
The application fee is projected to be approximately $50 per person, with Simons suggesting a slightly higher fee could allow the program to break even, considering the Nexus application costs $120 US.
Unlike the U.S.’s TSA PreCheck program, which is separate from Nexus, Simons’ proposal has gained support from the Canadian Airports Council.
The council’s president, Monette Pasher, emphasized the importance of expanding eligibility for the Verified Traveler Program to improve screening efficiency and promote Canadian-controlled border entry procedures.
Despite the decline in Canadian travel to the U.S., Simons argued for the establishment of a Canadian trusted traveler program on both practical and human rights grounds, citing discriminatory practices in the U.S., such as the removal of an “X” gender marker from Nexus applications.
Simons is hopeful that her motion will progress in the upcoming months and is optimistic about the government’s response if it is approved.
