OTTAWA — The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is launching its first preclearance operation, marking a significant step in strengthening border security and facilitating cross-border travel.

Set to launch this year, the preclearance site will be located at the Cannon Corners port of entry in New York, adjacent to the Covey Hill port of entry in Quebec. During the two-year duration of the operation, travellers entering Canada will go through Cannon Corners instead of the Covey Hill port of entry, which will be closed to travellers during that time.

At the preclearance site, Canadian officers will examine travellers and goods to decide whether they are admissible into Canada, as they currently do at ports of entry in Canada. This includes screening for dangerous goods, such as firearms and drugs, before they leave the U.S. While officers will be able to conduct most types of immigration processing at this site, claims for refugee protection cannot be processed at preclearance. Travellers seeking refugee protection in Canada will need to use a Canadian port of entry.

According to David J. McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, preclearance supports the national security and economic prosperity of both Canada and the U.S.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our shared commitment with the United States to bolster border security and streamline the flow of legitimate trade and travel between our two countries,” he said. “Preclearance is yet another example of how Canada and the United States work together every day to intercept security threats early, while delivering large-scale economic benefits for Canadians and Americans.”