People who frequently cross the Canada-U.S. border will find they have a shorter window for travel come the new year.
The Canada Border Services Agency says as of 12:01 a.m. local time on Jan. 6, 35 ports of entry will adjust their hours of service as a way to enhance security for both Canada and the U.S., a news release said Monday.
There will be hours adjustments seven days per week at 12 ports of entry in Manitoba, 10 in Quebec, six in Saskatchewan, four in New Brunswick, two in B.C. and one in Alberta. Details are on the Canada Border Services Agency website.
Time changes vary depending on the border, with some ports of entry shortening open times by one hour and others around five hours. Commercial entry time changes vary across the country.
The updated service was created in collaboration with the United States and based on an analysis of operations, peak periods and services required at each border, with an alternative option to cross the border within 100 kilometres, the border service said.
The U.S. will also adjust their crossing times, in order for both the countries to co-ordinate open hours to allow the return of inadmissible travellers and goods back to the other country, the CBSA news release said.
The shift in hours will result in more resources for border officers to manage enforcement activities and help with traveller processing at busier ports of entry, the release said.
U.S. Border Patrol encounters along the border with Canada have been rising sharply since the beginning of 2023.
Rebecca Purdy, senior spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, said in an email to CBC that changes at the Canada-U.S. border were not made in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election as president.
“Analysis and planning for this adjustment in service took place over several months and is not related to the U.S. election,” Purdy wrote.
