Winnipeg, Manitoba, August 23, 2007 -- The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Stockwell Day, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Port Director Michael Schumacher today announced the opening of NEXUS kiosks at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
“Canada’s New Government is proud to announce that Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is now accepting NEXUS members,” said Minister Day. “The NEXUS card not only serves as a secure alternative to a passport under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative for travel by air, but allows NEXUS members to move quickly through the Canadian and U.S. border clearance processes.”
"We are pleased to be joining our Canadian partners to continue expanding this program," said Mr. Schumacher. “The expansion of NEXUS, as well as the recent launch of a new online application, make NEXUS an excellent option for eligible travelers. The bi-national commitment also underscores the strong desire by both countries to encourage cross-border travel."
Airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Halifax and Calgary already operate kiosks for over 130,000 NEXUS members, and the program is expected to begin operating soon in one more city – Edmonton.
“We are pleased to welcome the NEXUS program to our community,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. “Membership in NEXUS will provide passengers travelling to and from Canada and the United States with convenience and we are pleased to offer this service within the air terminal building.”
In the air mode, NEXUS uses iris recognition technology to identify the traveller and verify his or her membership in the program. NEXUS members can also use their cards to enter the United States by land and sea.
-30-
For more information, please visit the NEXUS Web site at www.nexus.gc.ca or call
1-866-NEXUS-26.
For media information:
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2863
CBSA Media Relations - Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)