Canadian Port of Entry at the Gordie Howe International Bridge
Date: May 19, 2021
Classification: Protected until tabled
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Once tabled
Branch/Agency: FCMB/CBSA
Proposed Response:
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) project is a public-private partnership led by the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority. The GHIB is expected to open in November 2024.
- The GHIB project is a priority of the Government of Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has a non-discretionary requirement to provide integrated border services at the new Canadian port of entry once it is open.
- The Agency’s role in the project is to ensure that sufficient resources and equipment are in place at the port of entry to support national security and public safety priorities, while facilitating the free flow of legitimate persons and goods, including animals and plants.
Financial Implications:
- The CBSA is requesting $8.6M in funding through 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (A) ($2.6M in Vote 1 Operating and $6.0M in Vote 5 Capital) to:
- initiate procurement activities for the acquisition of furniture, equipment and detection technology required to fit-up the new port of entry, including entering into a reimbursement agreement with the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority for certain costs, including the acquisition of fixed large-scale imaging equipment; and
- initiate the GHIB’s resourcing and training strategy for the new staff required to operate the GHIB Canadian port of entry.
Background:
The GHIB seeks to:
- meet increased long-term international trade and travel demand over the next 30 years;
- bolster capacity within the corridor;
- provide network redundancy; and
- mitigate the risks of any disruptions or blockages of crossing facilities in the region.
Budget 2016, Growing the Middle Class, provided the CBSA with funding to ensure that the GHIB port of entry met the Agency’s space and operational requirements, was appropriately staffed and fully equipped, and was ready to operate and process traffic by opening day.
In 2017, the CBSA received $13.4M in funding over five years to establish the CBSA GHIB Project Management Office (PMO) and to define and initiate the Agency’s resourcing strategy for the GHIB.
An additional $8.6M is being requested through the 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (A) for front-line officers, maintenance of equipment at the Canadian port of entry, and internal services staff to support an increased workforce within the Southern Ontario Region.
As Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority is the responsible authority for the delivery of the bridge, the CBSA is subject to their schedule in the planning and delivery of staff and equipment for the GHIB port of entry.
Contacts:
Prepared by: Michelle Maheux, A/Sr. Project Manager, 613.301.2755; Catherine Parker, A/Director General, Transformation and Border Infrastructure Renewal, 613.793.2917
Approved by: Jonathan Moor, Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Management Branch & Chief Financial Officer, CBSA, 613.948.8604
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