Border Watch Line

Date: July 7, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: TB/CBSA

Issue:

The CBSA Border Watch Line has been receiving a significant increase in calls. This was attributed to social media feeds that made statements that the “border is closed” and urged followers to report sightings.

Proposed Response:

If pressed:

Background:

To protect Canadians and to ease the potential burden non-essential travellers could place on our health care system and its frontline workers, the Government of Canada implemented travel restrictions in March 2020. The CBSA is responsible for determining if travel into Canada is optional or essential, and respects restrictions.

With respect to the border between the United States (U.S.) and Canada, the border remains open for all non-discretionary travel. Many Canadians hold American citizenship and are permitted to enter Canada. Individuals that are Permanent Residents, recognized Indigenous peoples under the Indian Act, essential workers or immediate family members, may be legitimate travellers and do not fall within the restrictions.

Recent social media feeds have implied that the border is closed and asked followers to report any sightings. Since June 2020, the CBSA Border Watch Line received an average of approximately 70-100 calls per day. Due to the recent attention related to the U.S. licence plated vehicles, the Border Watch Line is now seeing a surge of approximately 300-350 calls per day. 

Before calling the CBSA, members of the public should note that there may be a legitimate reason for the presence of a U.S. resident or U.S.-plated vehicle or boat in Canada, such as dual citizenship, an essential worker or transiting individuals going home to Alaska. 

Further, to report violations of the Quarantine Act (such as failure to abide by the mandatory 14-day quarantine or isolation upon entry to Canada), persons should contact the Public Health Agency of Canada (1-833-784-4397)/phac.covid19.aspc@canada.ca or the police agency of the jurisdiction. 

The CBSA encourages anyone with information on suspicious cross-border activities, such as drug and contraband smuggling, to call the Border Watch Line (1-888-502-9060). More information on when individuals should call the Border Watch Line can be found on the CBSA’s internet site (https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/security-securite/bwl-lsf-eng.html).

Contacts:

Approved by: Dan Badour, a/Vice-President, Travellers Branch, [Redacted]

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