CCRA suspends CANPASS driver clearance program

OTTAWA (Sept. 14, 2001) — Canada’s customs and immigration agencies have suspended CANPASS, an expedited method of border clearance, at several major crossings into the country.

The Customs and Revenue Agency said the program is suspended until further notice as inspectors remain on high alert following terrorist attacks in the United States on Tuesday.

CANPASS lanes have been closed at Douglas, Boundary Bay, Pacific Highway, Huntingdon, or Osoyoos, B.C.; at Lacolle, Que.; at the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor-Detroit Tunnel in Windsor, Ont., and at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie and Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Furthermore, the NEXUS lane has been closed at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ont.

Participants in CANPASS typically are commuters who cross into Canada on a frequent basis. Drivers are given a windshied decal which serves as visual confirmation that the driver has been pre-screened for entry into Canada. Drivers must abide by import restrictions, but usually their vehicles are not stopped and searched.