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News Release
National 2007
Canada’s New Government announces that the NEXUS program is taking off at Ottawa International Airport
Ottawa, Ontario, June 20, 2007 -- The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Stockwell Day, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Assistant Commissioner Michael C. Mullen today announced the opening of NEXUS kiosks at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. NEXUS automated self-serve kiosks are now operational there.
“Canada’s New Government is proud to announce that the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is now accepting NEXUS members,” said Minister Day. “The benefit of having a NEXUS card is that it serves as an alternative to a passport under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or WHTI, air rule. NEXUS members are able to cross the border more quickly and securely when travelling between Canada and the United States.”
Airports in Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal already operate kiosks for NEXUS members, and the program is expected to begin operating soon in four more cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax.
“The NEXUS program is a tangible example of the longstanding friendship and partnership that exists between the United States and Canada,” said Assistant Commissioner Mullen. “We share the mutual goal of securing our borders and protecting our citizens, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel that is an inherent -- and critical -- part of our shared border.”
“I am very pleased to be with our Canadian and U.S. partners to declare the NEXUS centre open for business. I am confident that enrolment in Ottawa will reflect the need for such a service among our passengers,” said Paul Benoit, President and CEO of the Ottawa International Airport Authority.
The NEXUS program was recently expanded to all Canadian waterways. This allows eligible Canadian recreational boaters to expedite their border clearance between Canada and the United States.
Today Minister Day also announced that 24/7 border services will be available at the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in fall 2007, making customs and immigration officers available to screen passengers and luggage at any time day or night.
For more information, please visit the NEXUS Web site at www.nexus.gc.ca or call 1-866-NEXUS-26.
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For media information:
Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2863
