Page 10 - Flathead Beacon // 7.9.14

10 | JULY 9, 2014 NEWS FLATHEADBEACON.COM Canada Border Agency
Just
Sayin’...
“This is one of the strongest reports we’ve seen since the end of the recession.”
Thomas E. Perez, the Secretary of Labor, responding to the nation’s latest jobs data showing employers added 288,000 jobs last month, the fifth month in a row with over 200,000, which is the best such stretch since the late 1990s tech boom.
“I absolutely flat out got screwed over in this whole deal. I’m so mad right now that I’m unemployed because of their antics up there.”
Former Whitefish High School basketball coach Josh Downey following his departure from the program after only two months.
“Keep believing that we can rebuild our town and make it more beautiful than ever.”
Colette Roy Laroche, the mayor of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, at a memorial for the 47 people who were killed when an oil train derailed and exploded there one year ago on July 6.
Responds to Long Wait Times
Canadian officials reviewing possible strategies for minimizing traffic jams at Roosville border crossing station
By DILLON TABISH of the Beacon
Canada’s border agency is reviewing both short- and long-term strategies to mitigate extensive wait times at the Roos- ville Port of Entry near Eureka, according to Canadian officials.
The Canada Border Services Agency responded to questions and concerns re- cently raised about unreasonably long wait times at the border crossing station on U.S. Highway 93 North.
Mike Cuffe, the state representative serving Eureka and the surrounding area, is spearheading a new campaign to raise awareness and encouraged the Canadi- an government to increase resources at Roosville to reduce prolonged wait times for visitors returning to Canada. Cuffe has raised concerns over extended wait times at the border, an issue he considers detri-
mental to tourism and commerce for North- west Montana.
CBSA officials say they are looking at possible solutions and reviewing the infra- structure at Roosville “with a view to opti- mizing operations and balancing costs.”
In 2011 the agency
added a third primary
lane as part of a sum-
mer action plan to deal
with seasonal increas-
es in traffic volumes,
according to CBSA. This lane is open dur- ing peak travel periods throughout the year as necessary.
“CBSA’s Pacific Region management takes very seriously the impact of border wait times on the traveling public, com- mercial traffic and local residents,” Kathy Liu, communications advisor for the CBSA, wrote in an email to the Beacon.
“Our management team carefully monitors the traffic flows, and operational plans are put in place to mitigate pressures at land borders during peak travel times,
The Canadian, American and Montana flags. BEACON FILE PHOTO
and staff is redeployed as required.” According to Liu, a review of Roos- ville’s border wait times from the last two years showed travelers have experienced waits exceeding 60 minutes on four days in 2014, three days in 2013 and six days in
2012.
“These waits often occurred on Sun-
days, at the end of long weekends, or dur- ing unforeseen events, such as vehicle ac- cidents,” Liu said.
As a reminder, Liu cited the important steps that travelers must undergo during the entry process, including potential sec- ondary examinations.
“Officers have the authority to ques- tion travellers and examine their goods. This process can take several minutes or longer and is determined on a case-by-case basis,” Liu said. “Referrals for secondary examinations should not be viewed as an indication of wrongdoing. This is a normal part of the cross-border travel process, which any returning resident or visitor to Canada may experience.”
The CBSA recommends travellers avoid entering and re-entering Canada during peak periods. At Roosville, the peak periods are Sundays and long holiday weekends, with line-ups beginning in the early afternoon, according to the agency.
[email protected]
Tips for Quick Border Crossings
Travellers can help speed up the border crossing process by following these tips provided by the Canada Border Services Agency
Cross the border at non-peak times to avoid the rush. Plan to enter Canada in the morning as border lineups typically begin in the afternoon and carry on through the evening.
Have the passports for all passengers on hand and ready for an officer to scan
Be aware of the total amount of your purchases away from Canada and have the receipts handy
Declare all goods you are bringing into Canada Be open and honest with border services officers
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