Preclearance Bill Poised to Become Law

The so-called “Preclearance Bill” legislation calling for the expansion of the popular preclearance program between Canada and the United States is one step closer to becoming law.

Officially, the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security Act of 2016, details and expands upon the existing legislation on conduct by United States personnel stationed in Canada. Specifically, it ensures that the United States has the legal authority to hold U.S. officials accountable if they engage in wrongdoing while stationed in Canada.  

The bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives (Congress) on Wednesday before it was approved unanimously by the United States Senate on Saturday. The bill now requires a presidential signature to become law. It also requires the passage of similar legislation in the Canadian House of Commons, which is expected to come up for a vote early next year.

Once enacted as a law in the United States and Canada, the bill will now allow the two countries to move forward on promises to expand the number of preclearance facilities in Canada, which were outlined during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s official visit to the White House this past March, when the two leaders jointly announced new preclearance facilities at Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto and Jean Lesage Airport in Quebec, as well as a pilot rail program at Montreal’s Central Station.

In Quebec, there's massive support for a U.S. customs preclearance facility--a recent poll showed a 95% favorability for the new infrastructure. The facility is expected to add more than $75 million a year to the local economy.

“Preclearance is a win-win for enhanced security and prosperity on both sides of the border,” said David MacNaughton, the Canadian Ambassador to the United States, via a tweet.

Preclearance is a win-win for enhanced security and prosperity on both sides of the border.

— David MacNaughton (@AmbMacNaughton) December 10, 2016

Read more: U.S. and Canada to Expand Preclearance Program

But the act is also expected to act as a precursor to eventually offering preclearance facilities at all land, air, rail and marine ports throughout Canada.

Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, a co-sponsor of the bill, calls it a “win-win” for the people of his home state of Vermont, as well as Canadians travelling to Vermont.

“This process has been a true bipartisan effort, at every level of government in both the United States and Canada have been fully supportive and engaged,” said Leahy. “Now, at last, we can confidently move to the next stages of getting passenger service to Montreal up and running. Many of us can’t wait to hear those first whistles blow.”

Read more: Could Roadside Border Clearance Be Heading Your Way?

Great news - the US Senate passed Canada #preclearance bill unanimously. One step closer to easier travel and trade between our countries.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 10, 2016

The United States currently operates preclearance facilities at 15 airports in six countries around the world, including Canada. At airports that offer this service, travellers can pass through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before travelling, which significantly reduces wait times upon arrival in the United States. Preclearance also helps to increase national security, as it helps to weed out those who should not be travelling to the United States before they arrive in the country.

In Quebec, wher

Follow @MonicaPoling