WHEREAS the provision of Customs and Immigration services is a function solely of the Government of Canada that serves to facilitate the flow of goods and people across the border, an essential component of the economic health and development of certain regions across Canada. The lack of provision of Customs and Immigration services can have a dramatic effect on regional economic growth; AND WHEREAS the provision of Customs and Immigration services at certain regional centers, like Kamloops, BC, is provided on a full cost recovery basis as compared to other regional centers, like Kelowna, BC, where the service is provided on a cost allocation to all citizens of Canada: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provision of essential federal government services must not discriminate against the legitimate development aspirations of a region and the Government of Canada move immediately to remove the discriminatory cost recovery mechanism for Customs and Immigration services and provide these services on the same basis as are provided in other areas of the country and at the same cost to all Canadians; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that where new or expanded services are required in any region of Canada, the provision of such services should meet a legitimate business case.
Ministry of Public Safety In 1987, when the Government of Canada introduced user fees and cost-recovery policies for service expansion, it was decided that existing passenger clearance services, i.e., core services, would be grandfathered but that any approved subsequent request for new or enhanced services would be subject to cost recovery. Cost-recovery agreements allow the Canada Border Services Agency CBSA to provide services outside of established core hours of service or a non-designated sites when, given a lack of financial and human resources, those services could not be provided. Unfortunately, the fees for cost recovery cannot be waived. Kamloops Airport is designated as an Airport of Entry 30, which is for the clearance of scheduled and unscheduled air traffic with passenger restrictions of 30. The core service hours at Kamloops are 08:30 to 16:30. As the international flight operated by Horizon Air to Seattle, Washington, at Kamloops Airport exceeds the passenger restrictions, cost-recovery charges apply. The CBSA is committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver border services within current resource levels. All decisions are carefully considered and take into account security, service to the public, human resource requirements, fiscal responsibilities and the need to facilitate the movement of legitimate trade and travellers. The Agency has undertaken a core services review in collaboration with the air industry and intends to implement an air services policy framework. The framework will set clear and measurable criteria, as well as establishing a consistent, open and equitable process for determining where and how best to allocate CBSAs resources for further service requests. Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities The provision of Canada Border Services Agency falls under the purview of the Minister of Public Safety, to whom ... you have already sent a copy of your correspondence with respect to that issue. Transport Canada works with the Canada Border Services Agency to promote the fair and equitable provision of border services, in support of the Blue Sky international air policy.