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News Release
National 2007
Joint initiative introduces new procedures to strengthen security and expedite trade at the Ambassador Bridge
Windsor, Ontario, February 22, 2007 - Canada’s New Government and the Ambassador Bridge have announced a joint initiative that will enhance security controls and expedite the processing of commercial trucks entering Canada at the Ambassador Bridge.
Last year over 1.8 million commercial trucks entered Canada at the Ambassador Bridge, making it the busiest border crossing in Canada.
Starting April 1, 2007, all commercial importations entering Canada at the Ambassador Bridge will be required to use one of the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) existing line release clearance options. These include CSA (Customs Self Assessment)/ FAST (Free And Secure Trade programs), PAS (Pre-Arrival Review System), FIRST (Frequent Importer Release System), A49 (Form A49), Post-Audit and In-Bond. The mandatory use of line release will result in more efficient and expedited processing at the border.,.
The initiative builds on existing CBSA security measures to ensure both an appropriate level of border security and improved control of vehicles reporting to the CBSA commercial offsite facility. The number of vehicles required to report that facility will be significantly reduced, allowing for enhanced monitoring and convoying of vehicles that are referred to the offsite facility.
“The Security and Service Enhancement Initiative demonstrates that our new government is taking action to strengthen border security and facilitate the smooth flow of legitimate trade and travel at the Ambassador Bridge,” said Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day. “This Initiative will help reduce congestion and back-ups, expedite commercial processing, as well as allow the Canada Border Services Agency to concentrate more of its efforts and resources on enhancing border security.”
The Ambassador Bridge has established an Advanced Border Processing Center in Detroit, Michigan. The CBSA will provide a resource person at the Center to provide additional assistance and guidance to carriers and importers during the initial phase of implementation.
“We are committed to increasing the service at the Ambassador Bridge,” said Dan Stamper, President of the Ambassador Bridge. “Over 90% of the trucks entering Windsor today already clear their goods through one of these preferred clearance options. We fully support this initiative and are taking the necessary steps to ensure that the new procedures are implemented without difficulty.
Only commercial importations that are not able to use line release clearance options will be exceptions and will continue to be processed at the offsite facility. This small percentage of commercial importations will be strictly monitored between the bridge and offsite.
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For media information
Mélisa Leclerc
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Security
613-991-2863
Ambassador Bridge
Skip McMahon
Director, External Affairs
519-977-0700
