Surrey, British Columbia, August 21, 2008 - The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that, in response to increased traffic congestion caused by construction at the Peace Arch (Douglas) border crossin ng, the hours of service of the NEXUS lanes will expand at the Pacific Highway crossing.
"The Government of Canada is committed to a safe and efficient border," said Minister Day. "By extending the hours of service of the NEXUS lanes at the Paci fic Highway crossing, we are taking action to facilitate the smooth flow of legitimate trade and travel while securing the border."
Effective immediately, the northbound NEXUS lanes will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. The Can ada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will continue to monitor traffic flows during construction of the new U.S. facility at the Douglas border crossing.
NEXUS is a joint CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that is designed to simpli fy border crossings for pre-approved travellers. NEXUS members can use NEXUS lanes at 16 land border locations when travelling across the Canada-U.S. border, including a location that was launched on August 18, 2008, at Coutts, Alberta-Sweetgrass, Mon tana. The NEXUS program is also available at eight major Canadian airports and at over 450 locations for the marine mode of transportation.
The NEXUS card is also an accepted alternative document to the passport under the U.S. Western Hemispher e Travel Initiative when travelling to the United States by air (at designated airports), land and sea.
The CBSA is committed to ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate travellers across the border in the lead up to the 2010 Winter Olympics.
For more information, please visit the NEXUS Web site at www.nexus.gc.ca.
For media information
Mélisa Leclerc
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of P ublic Safety
613-991-2863
