Welcoming Syrian Refugees to Canada: Behind the Scenes at the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

News Release

December 8, 2015                     Montréal, Quebec                     Canada Border Services Agency

 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), in close collaboration with other Government of Canada departments and partners such as the Aéroports de Montréal, today invited media to visit the temporary port of entry that has been set up at the Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.

To ensure efficient and thorough processing that will allow Syrian refugees to move on to the important work of settling in their new communities, temporary ports-of-entry have been specially designed to accommodate new arrivals at Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.

These temporary ports-of-entry allow for:

  • The processing of all passengers on a flight within three to four hours
  • Waiting areas where water and food are provided
  • A baggage screening area

In addition to CBSA border services officers  who will confirm refugees’ documentation and admit them to Canada as permanent residents, a number of other partners also have stations at the temporary port-of-entry, including:

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, where photos  will be taken for their immigration identification documents;
  • Public Health Agency of Canada quarantine officers, who will assess any passenger who is or appears to be ill, both prior and after the CBSA processing
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency presence to ensure passengers don't bring in any food, plants, animals or animal related products that could affect Canada's biosecurity

These temporary ports-of-entry in Montreal and Toronto are expected to remain functional until the end of February.

 

Quotes

“With our many partners, we have worked to make new arrivals as comfortable as possible, while protecting the integrity of the arrival process. We are quite pleased with the results.” 
Regional Director General, Pierre Provost

 

Associated Links

Airport Receiving areas and Welcome Centres
CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line
Be Ready – Become a CBSA Officer

 

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Contacts

For media information:
Media Relations, Quebec Region
Canada Border Services Agency
514-350-6130

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