Fact Sheet

December 2012

CBSA E-mail Border Alert Service

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) operates in an environment of constant new challenges and a global interconnectedness unimagined by previous generations. It means being prepared for anything — most critically in the case of unexpected events such as an accident, a flood, earthquake, power/network outage, or health and safety issues that could disrupt normal border services.

Border Service Disruptions

We recognize that border service disruptions affect the individuals and industry that fuel Canada's economy. While the CBSA is committed to ensuring border services return to normal operations as soon as possible, an important part of quality service is keeping our clients informed about what to expect when they arrive at the Canadian border.

To this end, the CBSA will be introducing an E-mail Border Alert Service, to notify clients when unexpected events cause a significant disruption to normal border services. Examples of service disruptions that would generate a Border Alert include:

• Events that may cause border closures or significant delays
• Events causing significant impact to transportation modes
• Natural disasters — earthquakes, floods, significant storms
• Use of Force incidents or deployment of OC spray / baton / firearm which result in restricted access to or closures of ports of entry
• Occupational health and safety issues that result in border closures or significant delays
• Facility evacuations

Border Alerts will not be issued in response to normal increases in traffic volumes or planned events (i.e. construction at a port of entry).

How Border Alerts work

Beginning December 10, 2012, when a service disruption occurs at one of our busiest land border ports of entry, a Border Alert will be issued to subscribers, identifying the impacted port and recommending alternate ports of entry.

We will do our best to ensure border services return to normal operations as soon as possible and will notify subscribers when normal operations have resumed.

While border wait times are available on the CBSA Web site, the E-mail Border Alert Service will target unplanned disruptions that require intervention and regional resources to resolve. By letting CBSA clients know as soon as a service disruption is identified, and promoting the use of alternate ports, the E-mail Border Alert Service will help subscribers know what to expect in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Subscribe or unsubscribe

CBSA clients can subscribe to the E-mail Border Alert Service at any time by visiting www.cbsa.gc.ca and selecting Border Alerts. Simply enter your e-mail address in the appropriate field and select "subscribe" or "unsubscribe."

While the CBSA will endeavor to ensure the timely issuance of Border Alerts, we encourage you to continue to use alternate sources of information to inform your border crossing plans.  Subscribers are responsible for ensuring they provide the CBSA with a valid e-mail address and may unsubscribe at any time.

We strive to maintain a dynamic and responsive organization as we work towards our vision of an integrated border agency that is recognized for excellence in support of Canada's security and prosperity.  For more information on the programs and services provided by the CBSA, visit our Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca, follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.