Government of Canada Moves to Expand Publicly Funded Border Services at Airports

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Mar 30 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, today announced
that the Government of Canada is investing money in expanding publicly
funded services provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at
airports across the country.

"Today's announcement is the result of much hard work done by our
government with air industry stakeholders and clearly demonstrates our
commitment to the economic prosperity of Canada," said Minister Van Loan.
"As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is expanding
its publicly funded international passenger clearance services at
strategic airports across the country."

The Minister announced that the CBSA will be providing new levels of
publicly funded services at the following airports: Toronto City Centre
Airport, Deer Lake Regional Airport, Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker
International Airport and Regina International Airport. In addition, two
other airports are receiving expanded services. The details will be
announced shortly.

These investments are being made under the provisions of the CBSA's new
Air Services Policy Framework that will come into effect on April 1, 2009.

"Our government recognizes the importance of extending publicly funded
border services at these strategic airports and is taking action to
improve border operations by providing a service delivery approach that
is fair, transparent and flexible," added the Minister. "These measures
will contribute to regional economic development by improving the
competitiveness of Canada's airports."

"Through this investment, Toronto City Centre Airport may now offer 16
hours of daily border clearance services," added Minister Van Loan.
"These important service changes will help the airport respond to the
steady increase in passenger traffic and meet the requirements of the
travelling public."

Implementing the Air Services Policy Framework will enable the CBSA to
assess, on a case-by-case basis, whether the addition or expansion of
publicly funded border services at the requesting eligible site is viable
and sustainable. The CBSA continues to work closely with industry
stakeholders.

For more information, please visit the CBSA's Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Contacts:
Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations
613-957-6500

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