News Release

Government of Canada moves to expand publicly funded border services at airports

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, March 30, 2009 – Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, announced that the Government of Canada is investing money in expanding publicly funded services provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.

"Today's announcement is the result of much hard work done by our government with air industry stakeholders and clearly demonstrates our commitment to the economic prosperity of Canada," said Minister Van Loan. "As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is expanding its publicly funded international passenger clearance services at strategic airports across the country."

Minister Van Loan announced that the CBSA will be providing new levels of publicly funded services at the following airports: Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, Regina International Airport, Deer Lake Regional Airport and Toronto City Centre Airport. In addition, two other airports are receiving expanded services. The details will be announced shortly.

These investments are being made under the provisions of the CBSA's new Air Services Policy Framework that will come into effect on April 1, 2009.

"Our government recognizes the importance of extending publicly funded border services at these strategic airports and is taking action to improve border operations by providing a service delivery approach that is fair, transparent and flexible," added the Minister. "These measures will contribute to regional economic development by improving the competitiveness of Canada's airports."

"Through this investment, the Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker, International Airport may now offer international passenger clearance services seven days a week, 24 hours a day, on a seasonal basis," added the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "These important service changes will help the airport respond to the steady increase in passenger traffic and meet the requirements of the travelling public."

Implementing the Air Services Policy Framework will enable the CBSA to assess, on a case-by-case basis, whether the addition or expansion of publicly funded border services at the requesting eligible site is viable and sustainable. The CBSA continues to work closely with industry stakeholders.

For more information, please visit the CBSA's Web site.

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For media information:

Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations
613-957-6500