Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - May 2009
As of the beginning of June, a new regulation will be implemented that requires a passport for all land border crossings between Canada and the United States, rather than any two pieces of government-issued identification.
The long-awaited change has been looming since the terrorist attacks on 9/11 brought �homeland security� to the frontline of American politics. Implementing the passport requirement into land-crossings was one of the final steps toward that security, as air travel from Canada to the U.S. already requires a passport.
Though many do not argue the increased security that the passport will bring, critics were wary from the start of the effects this might have on cross-border economic relations.
Though the recently-introduced �fast-track� cards, which can be issued to frequent crossers, will help ease the strain on business travelers, there is little to ease the minds of Canadian businesses that rely on tourism. Americans who do not travel frequently and, therefore, may not hold a passport will likely simply skip the trip to Ontario rather than apply for a passport.
However, economic and political experts are showing optimism. The repeated delays to the rule implementation have allowed for raised public awareness and preparation for the change.
�The chaos is a bit overblown,� said Chris Sands, who is an analyst and senior fellow with the Hudson Institute in Washington. �Yes, it�s a new requirement, but it�s requirement that has some practical value� better identification was inevitable.�
Recent figures show that over 80 per cent of people crossing the border carry proper identification, though a recent shut down of Passport Canada�s online services at the end of April did not help ease the transition for many Canadians.
Source: The Globe and Mail
