Travellers move through Toronto Pearson International Airport in 2023, where preclearance checks help speed up entry into the United States for passengers departing from Canada. The Canadian Press
Canada and the United States have confirmed that two long-planned preclearance travel screening projects will move ahead later this year. The decision comes after months of uncertainty and public comments that raised questions about the future of the program.
Officials from both countries said the work continues, though they have not announced exact start dates. The projects aim to allow travellers to complete border checks before crossing, helping reduce delays and improve security.
Earlier Comments Sparked Concern
Questions about preclearance surfaced last fall when U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra suggested that Washington might need to rethink the program. He pointed to fewer Canadians travelling south and said the issue came down to resources.
Those remarks caused concern, as preclearance already allows many passengers flying to the U.S. to clear border checks at Canadian airports. In a later interview, Hoekstra said his comments were not meant to be confrontational and described the issue as a business matter.
How Preclearance Works
Preclearance allows border officers to screen travellers before they leave Canada. The goal is to stop threats early and make travel smoother. Travellers who clear inspections in Canada can land in the U.S. as domestic passengers and catch connecting flights more easily.
The U.S. currently runs preclearance operations at eight major Canadian airports and at a ferry terminal in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Millions of travellers use these services each year, with the busiest locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.
Progress at Billy Bishop Airport
One of the most closely watched projects sits at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Plans for a U.S. preclearance facility there were announced in 2023, with Ottawa providing funding for planning and construction.
Work on the facility finished late last year, though it remains hidden behind construction barriers. The airport has started training and testing, and officials expect operations to begin by spring.
The addition has already shaped airline plans. New daily flights to New York, Boston, Washington, and Chicago are scheduled to launch later this year, largely because preclearance will speed up travel.
Canadian Preclearance in the U.S.
Preclearance does not only flow one way. A Canada–U.S. agreement allows both countries to operate screening facilities on each other’s soil for air, land, rail, and marine travel.
Canada plans to open its first preclearance operation in the U.S. at Cannon Corners, New York, near the Quebec border. The project has faced delays while officials finalize policies and make small infrastructure changes.
Future Locations Under Review
Officials continue to study possible expansion sites, though no immediate plans exist. Past discussions have mentioned rail stations, cruise terminals, ferry ports, and busy border crossings across the country.
Public Safety officials say talks continue with U.S. partners and transportation agencies. For now, both governments insist the current projects will move forward this year, even as final timelines remain unclear.
