Residents Say Ending Pre-Clearance Will Affect Daily Life

Residents of remote communities along the Canada-U.S. border are urging Ottawa not to end the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program, which allows pre-clearance for easier travel into Canada. The program, crucial for daily activities like school and shopping, has approximately 11,000 permit holders annually, mostly Americans. Starting September 14, the program will be scrapped, forcing travelers to report to customs via phone, raising concerns about security and access, particularly for Indigenous communities. Many residents believe that the new process will complicate border crossing rather than enhance security.

Want More Context? 🔎