News Release

National 2011

CBSA statement regarding border services in the province of Quebec

Ottawa, ON, February 16, 2011 – Pierre Sabourin, CBSA Vice-President of Operations today provided the following statement regarding border services in the province of Quebec.

"As part of its Strategic Review, the CBSA will be making some changes to its border operations across Canada to ensure maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness. In the province of Quebec, there are nine points of service that will undergo operational changes. These include two port closures, three locations with reduced hours, and four locations where in-land services will be transferred to a nearby CBSA office.

It's important to put these changes into perspective. As seen in the attached fact sheet, the two ports slated to be closed see a combined average of less than 70 travellers per day. Furthermore there are other ports of entry as close as 10 km away. The three ports which will see a reduction of hours means that they will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. The transfers of service outlined simply means that travellers and businesses will receive the same level of service but from a different location.

In addition there will be no job losses as a result of these changes of service and the security of the border remains intact. The CBSA remains committed to ensuring that travelers and local residents are informed of the changes and we will continue to work with communities and local stakeholders to minimize any inconvenience caused by these changes."

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For media information:

CBSA Media Relations
613-957-6500