Ottawa Urged to Create Canadian-Only Trusted Traveller Program
OTTAWA :An Alberta senator is calling on the federal government to develop a Canadian-specific trusted traveller program that would allow pre-approved passengers to move more quickly through airport security, as travel to the United States by Canadians continues to decline.
Sen. Paula Simons has introduced a motion in the Senate urging Ottawa to establish a national “verified traveller” system independent of the U.S.-run Nexus program. Simons argues Canada should no longer rely on a foreign government to manage fast-track airport security access for its citizens.
Currently, members of the public can only qualify for verified traveller status through Nexus, which requires background checks and interviews with both Canadian and U.S. border officials. Since 2023, Canadian applicants have been required to travel to the United States to complete the interview process.
Simons’ proposed program would not include expedited U.S. customs clearance but would offer faster passage through Canadian airport security for travellers who no longer visit the U.S. frequently—or at all.
A recent Parliamentary Budget Office report estimates the program would cost $7 million over five years, with an application fee of about $50 per person. Simons said the program could break even with slightly higher fees, noting that Nexus currently costs US$120.
The motion has not yet been voted on by the Senate.
