Canada-U.S. border hours to change at 35 ports of entry in new year

Peoplewho frequently cross the Canada-U.S. border will find they have ashorter window for travelcome the new year.

The Canada Border Services Agency says as of12:01 a.m. local timeon Jan. 6, 35ports of entry will adjusttheir hours of service as a way toenhance securityfor both Canada and the U.S.,a news release said Monday.

There will behoursadjustments seven days per weekat 12 ports of entryin Manitoba,10 in Quebec, six in Saskatchewan,four in New Brunswick, two in B.C. andone in Alberta.Details are on the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Time changes vary depending on the border, with some ports of entry shortening open times by one hour and others around five hours. Commercial entry time changes vary across the country.

The updated service was created in collaboration with the United Statesand based on an analysis of operations, peak periodsand services required at each border, with an alternative option to cross the border within 100 kilometres, the border service said.

The U.S. will also adjust their crossing times, in order for both the countries to co-ordinate open hours toallow the return of inadmissible travellers and goods back to the other country, theCBSA news release said.

The shift in hours will result in more resources for border officers to manage enforcement activities and help withtraveller processing at busier ports of entry, the release said.

U.S. Border Patrol encounters along the border with Canadahave been rising sharply since the beginning of 2023.

Rebecca Purdy, senior spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, saidin an email to CBC that changes at the Canada-U.S. border were not made in the wake of Donald Trump's recent election as president.

"Analysis and planning for this adjustment in service took place over several months and is not related to the U.S. election," Purdy wrote.