More than 70 mostly Canadian-based aviation and travel interests, including the Canadian Business Aviation Association, jointly signed a letter asking the transportation departments of Canada and the U.S. to reopen the Trusted Traveler programs such as Nexus and the Free and Secure Trade (Fast) program.
These programs, which provide vetted travelers and goods with expedited and enhanced security protocols, have been closed since the onset of the pandemic. “The Canadian business community is deeply concerned about the failure of the two governments to agree to the reopening of Nexus and Fast enrollment facilities in Canada,” the letter said.
The two countries are considering the possibility of allowing officials to conduct video interviews with applicants instead of requiring that they take place in person, “which would be more efficient and less costly for both the applicants and the two governments.”
According to the letter, officials in both Canada and the U.S. have expressed concerns about the positions taken by the other country. “However, the urgent need of our countries’ citizens and businesses to benefit from a system that is both secure and efficient should take priority over bureaucratic disputes,” the letter concluded.