Minister Day launches the NEXUS program at Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton, Alberta, September 27, 2007 — The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Stockwell Day, joined by Member of Parliament for Edmonton—Leduc James Rajotte and Tom Huffaker, United States Consul General, Calgary, today announced the opening of NEXUS kiosks at Edmonton International Airport. The NEXUS program is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States.

“Canada’s New Government is proud to announce that Edmonton International Airport is now accepting NEXUS members,” said Minister Day. “This is another concrete action taken by our government to increase border security while maintaining the smooth flow of legitimate trade and travel to the United States.”

“Canada’s New Government continues to deliver results for Edmonton and the surrounding region,” said Mr. Rajotte. “By increasing efficiency and security at the Edmonton airport, our government has provided a boost for the regional economy.”

“Without the cooperation and collaboration of our Canadian neighbours, the NEXUS program would not be possible,” said Consul General Huffaker. “With NEXUS, the traveller’s experience can be smooth and hassle-free as we continue to secure our mutual border.”

The NEXUS card is also an accepted alternative document to the passport under the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a U.S. law that will eventually require all Canadians and Americans who are entering the United States to have a passport.

Airports in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Halifax, Calgary and Winnipeg already operate kiosks for over 130,000 NEXUS members. Edmonton is the final airport to receive NEXUS kiosks since the expansion of NEXUS in the air mode was initiated in February 2007.

“Edmonton International Airport is one of the fastest-growing major airports in the world and the NEXUS program adds to our ability to efficiently ease passengers through the terminal,” said Reg Milley, Edmonton Airports President and Chief Executive Officer. “Edmonton and the North are booming economically and, with so many business connections between our region and the United States, NEXUS is going be a real boon for our business travellers.”

In the air mode, NEXUS uses iris recognition technology to identify the traveller and verify his or her membership in the program. NEXUS members can also use their cards to enter the United States by land and sea.

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For more information, please visit the NEXUS Web site at www.nexus.gc.ca or call 1-866-NEXUS-26.

For media information:

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2863

CBSA Media Relations – Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)