Government of Canada extends Amtrak pilot project until September 2010

OTTAWA, March 23 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, announced today that the pilot project providing border-clearance services for the second daily Amtrak train between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington will be extended through September 2010.

"This announcement clearly demonstrates our government's continued commitment to tourism and the economic prosperity of Canada," said Minister Toews. "Our government recognizes that the free flow of legitimate goods and people across the shared border with the United States is essential to our economic recovery. This decision to extend the pilot project demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to facilitating cross-border travel and commerce."

The original decision to proceed with a pilot project providing border-clearance services to a second train was made in recognition of the unique tourism opportunities that hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games brought to the region. The decision to extend the pilot acknowledges that such a project requires a more significant period of time to assess whether the level of passenger traffic is high enough to justify ongoing customs services.

For further information: For media information: Faith St. John, Communications Advisor, CBSA Pacific Region, [phone]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]