CBSA opens 3rd lane for non-U.S. traffic

The Canada Border Services Agency announced last week that they have now opened a third lane at their temporary port of entry in Cornwall that is for travelers who are coming only from Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island). The “Domestic Travel” lane, at the far right, is meant to make reporting faster for those travelers who haven’t left Canada but must pass through Canada Customs as a result of CBSA’s move off the island last summer.

“This new dedicated lane for domestic travelers to the City of Cornwall from Cornwall Island (Kawehno:ke) demonstrates the CBSA’s ongoing commitment to constructive action to facilitate improved travel until a long-term solution can be found,” CBSA said in a statement. “The CBSA continues to work towards a solution that advances the best interests of the community.”

The lane does not address issues Akwesasne community members have regarding the reporting requirement for those Akwesasro:non who have Kawehno:ke as a final destination when coming from the south (U.S.) but must travel farther north to Cornwall to report before returning to the island. That requirement, along with the elimination of the “Indian Lane” have been factors in hour-long wait times at the border since the 2009 border crisis began. A wait of more than ten minutes was unusual at the CBSA port of entry on Kawehno:ke before the move to Cornwall was made.

“Persons who fail to present themselves to the CBSA once entering Canada from the United States will continue to be subject to enforcement action,” CBSA said. “Travelers from the United States are reminded to have proper identification, receipts and any other relevant documents readily available upon their arrival at the interim port of entry.”

MCA did not have an immediate response to CBSA’s opening of the domestic travel lane. Community members with further questions about the new lane can ask for information at the port.