Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille is continuing to push the government to reverse a decision by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to reduce the hours of operation at numerous border crossings, including the Herdman, Trout River, and Lacolle Route 223 ports of entry.
Since January 6, the hours of operation at the affected border crossings were halved from 24 hours a day to 12 hours. DeBellefeuille and Saint-Jean MP Christine Normandin are both urging Public Safety Minister David McGuinty to reverse the CBSA decision.
In a press release, the two MPs confirmed the minister has offered no response to issues raised by this decision, including security concerns, and has made no suggestion that the decision is open to review.
“It’s absolute nonsense! At a time when the geopolitical situation with the United States calls for tighter border security, the government is doing the contrary,” laments Normandin.
DeBellefeuille argues that on the one hand, the government has announced $1.3 billion in funding to secure the border, while on the other, “It is maintaining a decision that does exactly the opposite.”
The MPs argue the CBSA’s decision raises several questions about its ability to ensure adequate surveillance at the ports of entry in question, specifically when these access points are currently closed by a gate that can easily be bypassed on foot.
DeBellefeuille and Normandin suggest recent announcements by the American administration could lead to an increase in attempted crossings by migrants from the U.S. to Canada, which is why ports of entry should remain open and monitored.
Beyond the security aspect, the MPS warn the reduction in hours could complicate CBSA plans to modernize the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle port of entry. Major construction work began this past year to reconfigure the flow of traffic and parking on site. Certain buildings are scheduled to be renovated, while plans also include the construction of new buildings and infrastructure.
The CBSA expects the work will be completed by the summer of 2028. The crossing point will remain open throughout this period, but nearby ports of entry could be impacted. “Cutting service hours when we’re likely to see a short-term increase in traffic is counterproductive,” says Normandin. (SR)