As Canadian travel to the United States decreases, a senator from Alberta is calling for a specialized program in Canada to expedite the airport security process for travelers. Senator Paula Simons introduced a motion in the Senate last autumn urging the federal government to establish a trusted traveler program tailored for Canadians.
In an interview with CBC News, Senator Simons highlighted the need for a Canadian-specific system, separate from the existing Nexus program, which currently allows certain verified travelers to access dedicated security lanes for quicker processing. These verified travelers, including members of the armed forces, RCMP, and select law enforcement officers, undergo rigorous background checks, enabling them to bypass standard security procedures.
To become a Nexus member, Canadians must undergo interviews with both Canadian and American border authorities. However, since 2023, these interviews have required travel to the U.S., whereas they were previously conducted in Canada before the pandemic.
Senator Simons’ proposed program would not include all the benefits of Nexus, such as expedited U.S. customs clearance, but aims to provide a stand-alone verified traveler program for Canada. She emphasized the importance of having an independent system not reliant on the U.S., offering an alternative for Canadians who may not travel to the U.S. frequently.
A recent report by the Parliamentary Budget Office estimated that the proposed program would cost $7 million over five years, factoring in application fees. While the projected application fee is around $50 per person, Senator Simons suggested that a slightly higher fee could ensure the program’s financial sustainability, noting that the Nexus application costs $120 US.
In contrast to the U.S.’s TSA PreCheck program, Canada is considering its own verified traveler initiative. The Canadian Airports Council expressed support for Senator Simons’ proposal, advocating for an expanded enrollment to enhance screening efficiency and border entry for Canadians.
Amid declining Canadian travel to the U.S., Senator Simons also highlighted the human rights aspect of introducing a separate trusted traveler program. She criticized the discriminatory practice by the U.S. of not accepting an “X” gender marker on Nexus applications, forcing individuals to choose between “M” or “F,” which she deemed a violation of Charter rights for transgender, non-binary, and two-spirit Canadians.
Senator Simons expects a vote on her motion in the coming months and remains optimistic that the government will act on the proposal if approved.