Ottawa, Ontario, December 8, 2008 -The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, announced today that the NEXUS program has reached the 250,000th member mark.
"Our Government remains committed to protecting the safety and security of our communities. At the same time, we recognize the importance of promoting trade between Canada and the United States and strengthening this country's economy," said Minister Van Loan. "For this reason, I am pleased that membership in the NEXUS program has more than doubled in the past two years and keeps increasing. This vital program facilitates quick and secure entry into Canada and the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travellers."
"Reaching the milestone of a quarter of a million members demonstrates that NEXUS is an efficient and popular way for frequent, low-risk passengers to travel between the U.S. and Canada," said John Wagner, Director of Trusted Traveler Programs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
NEXUS, which has been in operation for six years, is now available at all major Canadian airports, at 16 land border crossings and at over 450 marine ports of entry. It is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that is designed to simplify border crossings for pre-approved travellers while enhancing security.
A NEXUS membership card also fulfills the travel document requirements of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: it can be presented instead of a passport when entering the United States by air (when used at a kiosk at participating airports) or by land or water.
NEXUS members will receive a new NEXUS card with enhanced security features in early 2009. This enhancement will not affect the expiry date of current NEXUS memberships. In order to ensure that they receive their new card and that their NEXUS privileges continue without interruption, members should ensure that their NEXUS contact information and mailing address are up to date by accessing the Global Online Enrollment System. For more information, please visit www.nexus.gc.ca.
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For media information:
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
613-957-6500
