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Tag: Transport Canada

  • Government of Canada announces new funding to strengthen air safety in British Columbia

    OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 5, 2023 /CNW/ – Canadians rely on safe and well-maintained local and regional airports for essential services like community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, and forest fire response.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced that the Government of Canada is investing in safe and efficient airports in British Columbia.

    Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, eight airports in British Columbia are receiving more than $12 million in new funding for projects and equipment that will help maintain safe airport operations for passengers, crews, and airport workers. The airports receiving funding are:

    Bella Bella Campbell Island Airport

    • to improve Runway 13-31 end safety area – $5,527,913

    Campbell River Airport

    • to purchase a 4 x 4 plow truck – $558,375

    Castlegar, West Kootenay Regional Airport

    • to rehabilitate and expand the taxiway and Apron 5 – $2,359,820

    Kamloops Airport

    • to rehabilitate Apron 1 – $2,091,362

    Nanaimo Airport

    • to purchase a loader – $346,860

    Quesnel Regional Airport

    • to purchase a sweeper – $491,500

    Terrace-Kitimat, Northwest Regional Airport

    • to replace omni-directional approach lights on Runway 15 – $108,599

    Tofino-Long Beach Airport

    • to purchase a loader – $533,631

    The runway improvements in Bella Bella include the removal of rock and terrain that intrude into the takeoff and landing airspace, which is especially important should there be a runway excursion. The equipment in Campbell River, Nanaimo, Quesnel, and Tofino-Long Beach will be used in maintaining aircraft movement surfaces and for the removal and control of ice and snow from airside surfaces such as runways, taxiways and the apron.

    The taxiway expansion project in Castlegar will allow for more space between aircraft, resulting in greater efficiency and safety when more than one aircraft is present. Multiple aircraft activity can occur in situations during aerial fire suppression activities directed by the provincial Forestry Air Tanker Base located in Castlegar, allowing the tankers to land and refill their water supply more quickly.

    The replacement of omni-directional approach lights with LED in Terrace-Kitimat will result in brighter lights and cost savings. The rehabilitation of Apron 1 in Kamloops will repair or replace selected panels, with subsurface improvements for the concrete areas, and mill/pave of 100 mm for the asphalt areas.

    Quote

    “Our Government knows that local and regional airports provide essential services to Canadians and local businesses. We’re investing in our local airports to build safer, healthier, and stronger communities across Canada.”

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport

    Quick Facts

    • Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects that will help them maintain safety.
    • Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, eligible airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety. Improvements include purchasing and replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
    • Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.26 billion for 1,268 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.

    Associated Link

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

  • Government of Canada announces new funding to strengthen air safety in Northern Ontario

    SUDBURY, ON, Nov. 16, 2023 /CNW/ – Canada’s local and regional airports play an essential role in our country’s economy. Local and regional airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors, all in addition to supporting Canadians’ travel.

    Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, Marc G. Serré, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced today that the Government of Canada is making important investments to enhance air safety in Northern Ontario.

    Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, two airports in Northern Ontario are receiving over $500,000 in new funding for projects and equipment that will help maintain safe airport operations for passengers, crews, and airport workers.

    The Moosonee Airport is receiving $382,500 to purchase a grader to be used in the removal and control of snow and ice on airside surfaces such as runways, taxiways and aprons.

    The Greater Sudbury Airport is receiving $163,625 to replace wildlife control fencing that will help protect the airfield against incursions by medium to large size mammals, such as deer, coyotes, foxes and black bears.   

    This funding is in addition to the $1.2 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding provided in 2022 to the Moosonee Airport for the installation of wildlife control fencing and the purchase of a runway friction tester and a runway sweeper; and the $3 million provided to the Greater Sudbury Airport to purchase a runway sweeper and rehabilitate Taxiways A and B and Runway 04-22.

    Quotes

    “Canada’s airports keep our communities connected. They create good, middle-class jobs, and they strengthen our economy. Investments in our local and regional airports will help us build safer and stronger communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport

    “The Moosonee and Greater Sudbury airports are important hubs for residents and businesses in Northern Ontario. They connect us with family and friends, help us discover new destinations, and are pivotal trade corridors for many businesses in this region. This funding will enhance safety for travellers, air crews and airport workers, while supporting jobs and our regional economy.”  

    Marc G. Serré,
    Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Official Languages

    Quick Facts

    • Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects that will help them maintain safety.
    • Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, eligible airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety. Improvements include purchasing and replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
    • Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.25 billion for 1,256 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.

    Associated Link

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

  • Minister of Transport announces new funding to strengthen air safety in Brandon, Manitoba

    BRANDON, MB, Oct. 19, 2023 /CNW/ – Local and regional airports in Canada are a critical link in our supply chains. They keep communities connected. We depend on these airports to ensure that local communities can thrive across the country.

    The Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced today that the Government of Canada is making major investments in improving safety at the Brandon Municipal Airport.

    Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Airport is receiving more than $10 million to rehabilitate airside pavement on Runway 08-26, Taxiway A and Apron 1. This rehabilitation work will help keep passengers, airport workers and crews safe by ensuring airside surfaces remain in top condition.

    Since 2016, the Government of Canada has provided the Brandon Municipal Airport with more than $2.3 million in Airports Capital Assistance funding for projects and equipment including the purchase of a grader used in airside snow removal, the installation of wildlife control fencing, and the rehabilitation of airside electrical systems.  

    Quotes

    “Our government will continue to invest in a strong, resilient supply chain. Safe and efficient local and regional airports are a key part in that. This is good news for the communities the Brandon Municipal Airport serves.

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport 

    Quick Facts

    • Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects that will help them maintain safety.
    • Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, eligible airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety. Improvements include purchasing and replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
    • Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.25 billion for 1,256 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.

    Associated Link

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.canada.ca.

  • Minister of Transport announces new funding to strengthen air safety in La Ronge, Saskatchewan

    LA RONGE, SK, Oct. 18, 2023 /CNW/ – Canada’s local and regional airports keep our communities connected and create good, middle-class jobs. From visiting friends and family, to supporting essential medical services and food supply, and getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to sustain safe and vibrant communities across the country.   

    Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced that the Government of Canada is making major investments to strengthen air safety at the La Ronge (Barber Field) Airport.

    Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, the airport is receiving more than $2.7 million for an airfield lighting rehabilitation project that will help maintain safe airport operations for passengers, crews, and airport workers. The project includes:

    • new edge and threshold lights on Runway 18-36;
    • precision approach path indicators lights;
    • simplified short approach lighting and omni-directional approach lights;
    • edge lights on Taxiways A, B, C and the apron;
    • floodlights on Apron 1;
    • constant current regulators; and
    • signage and de-icing area floodlights and edge lights.

    This funding is in addition to more than $1.2 million provided to the airport in 2022 for the purchase of a loader, a runway sweeper and a 4×4 snowplow, used in the removal and control of snow and ice on airside surfaces such as runways, taxiways and aprons. 

    Quote

    “Canada’s airports are a critical link in our supply chains. They keep our communities connected from coast-to-coast-to-coast. This funding is great news for the communities these airports serve. Through investments like these, we’re making life more affordable for the residents of La Ronge, Northern Saskatchewan and across the country.”

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport 

    Quick Facts

    • Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funds to help eligible airports finance capital projects that will help them maintain safety.
    • Under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, eligible airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
    • Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.25 billion for 1,256 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.

    Associated Link

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

  • Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, convenes meeting to find solutions for travellers at the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

    MONTREAL, Oct. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – The Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, today issued the following statement:

    “Earlier this week, leadership from Aéroports de Montréal, Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, the Canada Border Services Agency, NAV Canada and Transport Canada met in Dorval to find solutions for passengers traveling through the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. 

    In this meeting, we discussed opportunities for better information sharing among partners, to help ease the pressure during peak periods. We explored opportunities to improve service and agreed to continue our work to find short-term solutions to the congestion challenges at the Airport.

    We have all experienced delays and cancellations when travelling. We know how frustrating this is. Canadians work hard to save up to travel and they expect airlines, airports, and their partners to do better. In this meeting, we agreed that we all have to step up for Canadians.”

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca

  • Expanded Canada-Panama Air Transport Agreement to allow more flights between both countries

    Additional capacity will strengthen travel and business ties to grow our economy and create good jobs for Canadians

    OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 11, 2023 /CNW/ – Whether visiting family and friends, taking a trip, or shipping goods to markets around the world, Canadians need an air sector that works for them.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced the conclusion of an expanded air transport agreement between Canada and Panama. With this expanded agreement, airlines can introduce more flight options and routings. This means more choice and more convenience for Canadians. Each country’s airlines are now able to operate a total of 14 passenger flights per week, and an unlimited number of all-cargo flights. This is up from nine flights per week for passenger and/or all-cargo services.

    This new agreement will better accommodate the growing Canada-Panama market, improve Canada’s global connectivity, and support tourism and trade activity between the two countries.

    The new rights under the expanded agreement are available for use by airlines immediately. 

    Quotes

    “This important development in our air transport agreement with Panama will improve connectivity for passengers, deepen our cultural and commercial ties, and strengthen our supply chains. As we continue to support the recovery of our air industry, it’s great news when we see more options for travellers and businesses alike.”

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport

    “In today’s global landscape, creating opportunities and opening doors for Canadians to conduct business around the world is of utmost importance. The expanded Canada-Panama Air Transport Agreement demonstrates the importance Canada places on our already well-established and strong trade and investment relationship and offers Canadian and Panamanian businesses greater opportunities. This is also in step with our commitment to supporting Canadian exporters as they continue to respond to the growing demand for Canadian products and services in the Latin American market.”

    The Honourable Mary Ng
    Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

    Quick Facts

    • Canada’s air transport agreement with Panama was concluded in 2008 and was previously expanded in 2013.
    • Expansion of the agreement with Panama was guided by Canada’s Blue Sky policy, which encourages long-term, sustainable competition and the development of international air services.

    Associated Link

    Additional information on the Blue Sky policy

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. 

  • Minister of Transport announces new funding to improve and increase capacity for cargo destined for the North at the Ottawa International Airport

    OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 9, 2023 /CNW/ – An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential to making life more affordable for Canadians and combatting the rising cost of living. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our supply chains grow the economy and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians, while making them resilient and adaptable to the effects of climate change.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, announced an investment of up to $11 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund. This investment will be used to build a new cargo facility for Canadian North, the Inuit-owned airline. To further enhance this commitment, Canadian North will be matching the Government of Canada’s investment, bringing the total combined funding for this project up to $22 million.

    This warehouse will be located on the grounds of Ottawa International Airport and will reduce delays in cargo handling capacity and increase connectivity between different modes of transportation at the airport. For example, the project would expand the truck loading area, where queues have created congestion in the past. In total, this project will also double the capacity for Canadian North in Ottawa.

    In addition, this new facility will adopt environmentally friendly technologies and expand energy-efficient refrigeration and freezing areas to reduce waste and preserve essential goods destined for the Canadian Arctic. The facility will also have a backup power system to ensure service continuity during severe weather events.

    The Government of Canada continues to invest to make the country’s supply chain stronger, to boost economic growth and to create more opportunities for our businesses to grow internationally. This represents another long-term commitment to work with stakeholders on important infrastructure projects to address congestion along Canada’s trade corridors.

    Quotes

    “It’s a good day for Ottawa International Airport and Canada’s Northern communities. With this new warehouse, Canadian North will continue its work to facilitate the movement of goods across the country, especially to the North. By handling more cargo and connecting different modes of transportation more seamlessly, we’re boosting our economy and making sure our transportation infrastructure can tackle any challenges that come our way.”

    The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
    Minister of Transport 

    “The Ottawa International Airport is a vital economic engine, that also supports our neighbours in the North alongside our local community. The funds from today’s announcement will allow Canadian North to invest in critical infrastructure to support key Canadian Northern supply routes while creating good jobs for local Ottawa residents.”

    The Honourable David J. McGuinty
    Member of Parliament for Ottawa South

    “Growing demand from Canada’s remote and northern communities highlights the essential role of cargo in supporting the Inuit communities and ensuring food security. Through a joint investment of $22 million, Canadian North’s new cargo facility will double its capacity in Ottawa by 2026, strengthening the vital connections between the North and the rest of Canada.”

    Michael Rodyniuk, President and CEO
    Canadian North

    Quick Facts  

    • The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is investing to help goods move throughout Canada’s supply chains.
    • The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.6 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) has been allocated to the program.
    • Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.
    • The National Trade Corridors Fund’s Increasing the Fluidity of Canada’s Supply Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade flows between Canada and global markets, as well as internal trade corridors.

    Related Product
    National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder

  • Government of Canada announces funding for essential projects and equipment at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport

    MONCTON, NB, July 17, 2023 /CNW/ – Canada’s airports are essential to helping keep our communities connected and creating good, middle-class jobs. From visiting friends and family, to supporting essential medical services, to getting goods to market, we rely on our local and regional airports to support our local economies and sustain vibrant communities.

    The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, and the Minister of Official languages, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, today announced that the Government of Canada is making major investments to strengthen safety at the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport.

    Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Airport is receiving nearly $3.5 million to:

    • rehabilitate airfield lighting and electrical systems;
    • construct runway end safety areas (RESA); and
    • purchase a large snowblower, a loader, a runway sweeper and a plow truck. 

    The rehabilitation work and the new equipment will keep passengers, airport workers, and crew safe thorough maintenance of the runways and taxiways during de-icing and snow clearing.

    This funding is in addition to the more than $5 million provided to the Airport through the Program in 2021-22 to rehabilitate Runway 11-29, install taxiway signage and purchase an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle.

    Quotes

    “Our country’s airports help keep our supply chains moving and our communities connected from coast to coast to coast. This funding for the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport is good news for the communities the airport serves and will ensure that area residents are able to travel safely and efficiently, whether it be for personal or business reasons. Through investments like these in our air sector, we are building healthier, stronger communities for the residents of Moncton and across the country.” 

    The Honourable Omar Alghabra 
    Minister of Transport

    “Thousands of New Brunswick travellers and business owners rely on the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport every day to see family or get their goods to market. It’s a key piece of our trade infrastructure – and the investment we are making today will further enable it to continue to be a vital economic engine for our region.”

    The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc 
    Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

    “Airports and air services strengthen our supply chains, spur economic growth, and connect us. As the province’s largest airport, the Roméo LeBlanc International Airport plays a key role in the daily lives of all New Brunswickers, and today’s investment will help strengthen our region’s competitive advantage while creating more economic opportunities for years to come.”

    The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor  
    Minister of Official languages, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe

    “The Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport is an integral part of the regional economy and vital gateway to our community’s strategic transportation hub. This important investment by the Government of Canada is key to ensuring critical infrastructure and essential services are maintained in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.” 

    Courtney Burns 
    President and CEO 
    Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport

    Quick Facts

    • Since the Airports Capital Assistance Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested over $1.25 billion for 1,239 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country. Funded projects include runway and taxiway repairs/rehabilitation, lighting enhancements, purchasing snow clearing equipment and firefighting vehicles and installing wildlife control fencing.
    • The Airports Capital Assistance Program received a one-time funding top-up of $186 million over two years in 2020, and the temporary expansion of eligibility for the Program to allow some National Airports System airports, such as the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport, with less than one million annual passengers in 2019, to apply for funding in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

    Associated Link

    Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.

  • Minister of Transport announces funding to increase supply chain capacity at Toronto Pearson International Airport

    MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 7, 2023 /CNW/ – An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential to keeping communities connected, and building an economy that works for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our supply chains remain strong and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians, while making them resilient and adaptable to the effects of climate change.

    Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced an investment of nearly $94 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund for a cargo development project at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

    The project will improve cargo capacity by building two new facilities: the South Cargo Transfer Development Facility (YYZ South) and the North Cargo Apron Development (YYZ North). YYZ South will increase capacity for incoming cargo, and YYZ North will build additional infrastructure for more cargo aircraft parking spaces, which will also increase cargo capacity.

    With Pearson Airport being a key gateway for global and domestic cargo operators, this new funding will help strengthen our supply chains and ensure Canadians get the goods they need on time. Together, these two new facilities will help handle more essential cargo coming through Pearson Airport and contribute to building a stronger supply chain in the Greater Toronto Area.

    With the National Trade Corridors Fund, we are investing to keep our supply chains and transportation infrastructure strong. This represents another long-term commitment to work with industry partners on important supply chain and transportation infrastructure projects that will ultimately benefit Canadians.

    Quotes

    “It’s no secret that the last few years have been difficult on supply chains here in Canada and across the world. Toronto Pearson Airport is a key player in Canada’s transportation supply chain, and today’s funding of nearly $94 million is great news for the airport’s cargo-handling capabilities, for our supply chains, and for Canadians.”

    The Honourable Omar Alghabra
    Minister of Transport 

    “The substantial funding from National Trade Corridors Fund for our cargo development project will enhance our position as a vital gateway for global and domestic cargo operators. With improved capacity and infrastructure, we will facilitate faster and more efficient goods transfer, benefiting Canadian businesses and consumers. Toronto Pearson Airport is a competitive cargo hub, that is critical to the serving the population and the growing manufacturing sector in the country.”

    Deborah Flint
    President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority

    Quick Facts 

    • The Government of Canada, through the National Trade Corridors Fund, is investing to help goods move smoothly throughout Canada’s supply chains.
    • The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada. A total of $4.6 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) has been allocated to the program.
    • Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Transport Canada is supporting improvements to Canada’s roads, rail, air, and marine shipping routes to foster domestic and international trade.
    • The National Trade Corridors Fund’s Increasing the Fluidity of Canada’s Supply Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade flows between Canada and global markets, as well as internal trade corridors.

    Related Product

    National Trade Corridors Fund Backgrounder

  • Government of Canada invests in building a United States preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

    TORONTO, June 30, 2023 /CNW/ – As Canada continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, unique investments in our airport infrastructure continue to be crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for business and leisure travellers, workers and communities. Government of Canada investments also help ensure Canada’s aviation industry is well-positioned to recover from the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. 

    Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced an investment of up to $30 million to build a new preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for United States-bound travellers. The new facility will build capacity for Toronto’s growing business and leisure passenger volumes transiting through Canada’s largest city.

    Fast and secure movement of people and goods across the United States border is key to boosting tourism, business, and trade. The Government of Canada’s contribution builds on investments made by PortsToronto, and the new preclearance facility will provide important benefits to Canadians and the air sector by:

    • increasing security and connectivity for business and leisure travellers using the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport;
    • reducing airport congestion and transportation bottlenecks by increasing Canada’s complement of airport pre-clearance facilities; and
    • improving fluidity and capacity in the transportation system.

    Quotes

    “The investment in the new United States preclearance facility for the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport will provide travellers in the Greater Toronto area more options when flying to the United States and will support the reduction of airport congestion. Investing in this facility is great news for the airport and for Canadians!”

    The Honourable Omar Alghabra
    Minister of Transport 

     “Canada has what the world wants, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our shores. Today’s announcement of a new US preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Airport is a major step towards helping our tourism industry soar to new heights. By streamlining the entry process for international travelers, we send a strong message that Canada is open for business, adventures, and unforgettable experiences. Let us seize this opportunity to place our nation firmly on the global tourism map, all while building an economy that works for everyone.”

    The Honourable Randy Boissonault
    Minister of Tourism

     “PortsToronto and its partners, including Nieuport Aviation and Porter Airlines, have been working towards securing preclearance for nearly a decade, as it will further enhance the passenger experience by offering passengers the ability to clear customs on home soil using next-generation technology intended to make the process quick and convenient,” said RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, PortsToronto. “Preclearance will also provide access to more US markets which will boost connectivity and bilateral trade and tourism between Toronto and the eastern US. This will have a tremendous economic impact on the city in terms of GDP, jobs and attracting talent. We are incredibly pleased and proud to confirm preclearance at the airport, and look forward to working with our partners to commence work immediately to have the facility open in 2025.”

    Roelef-Jan (RJ) Steenstra
    President and CEO PortsToronto,
    Billy Bishop Airport Owner and Operator

    Quick Facts  

    • A United States preclearance facility is a space in a designated Canadian location that enables United States-bound passengers to complete all United States immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections at Canadian airports prior to departure and admissibility into the United States.
    • This investment supports actions from the Task Force to Improve Services to Canadians by improving the flow of people and transborder business travel from Toronto.
    • In 2016, Canada and the United States signed the Agreement on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Transport Preclearance, agreeing in principle to expand preclearance operations to select locations in Canada, including Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

    Related Products

    United States and Canada Announce Preclearance Expansion
    Task Force to Improve Services to Canadians