Canada Border Services Agency Opens Expanded Emerson Border Crossing

OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 12 -- The Canada Border Services Agency, an arm of the Canadian government, issued the following news release:

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, officially marked the completion of the expansion project at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Emerson port of entry (POE).

The Government of Canada invested $19 million into the Emerson expansion project to improve the flow of goods and people between Canada and the United States. Construction has been ongoing since May 2017. This expansion is the first major investment in the Emerson POE since the late 1990s.

The project added a new and larger commercial warehouse for truck examinations, as well as a dedicated bus examination bay and lobby area through renovations to an existing building. It also widened the highway at the border by three lanes to accommodate the installation of three bi-level primary inspection booths for more efficient processing of commercial traffic.

The upgrades and new facilities were designed to meet the needs of travellers, the commercial community and employees. They position the CBSA to process traffic volumes more efficiently and effectively for many years to come.

Quotes

"The Emerson port of entry holds significant economic importance, processing more commercial traffic than any other land border crossing across the Prairies. The expanded CBSA facility reflects our commitment to securing the border while improving the flow of legitimate travel and trade for Canada's prosperity."

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre

"All Canadians benefit from a reliable and competitive transportation system that moves people and goods efficiently and fosters Canada's economic growth. The improvements to the Emerson port of entry will ensure that the crossing operates more efficiently and ensures safety and security to help businesses compete and create more jobs."

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

"The phased approach to the Emerson expansion project was completed through exhaustive planning efforts that ensured minimal disruption to processing traffic. The improvements will help us deliver on our commitment to serving Canadians."

Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick facts

* In 2017, CBSA officers at the Emerson POE welcomed almost 878,000 travellers in more than 271,000 cars and 208,000 commercial trucks. Emerson ranked 7th nationally in number of trucks processed at a land border crossing.

* Travellers can plan their entry to Canada through the Emerson POE by checking border wait times on the CBSA website and by downloading the CanBorder App.