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Ministry of Tourism Ministère du Tourisme
Minister Ministre
9th Floor, Hearst Block 9e étage, Édifice Hearst
900 Bay Street 900, rue Bay
Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Toronto, ON M7A 2E1
Tel: (416) 326-9326 Tél.: (416) 326-9326
Fax: (416) 326-9338 Téléc.: (416) 326-9338
January 25, 2006
Dear Tourism Partner:
You may know that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State have announced
that they are developing a new travel document, the PASS (People Access Security Service) card, as an
alternative to their earlier proposal to require a passport to cross land borders into the U.S. from Canada.
This represents progress in our effort to keep the border free-flowing for tourism. The passport-only
approach has been dropped. The proposed PASS card is wallet-sized and would be more convenient to
carry than a passport. It would cost less.
Our government strongly supports the goal of improving border security. Nevertheless serious concerns
remain, given the vital importance of the safe and efficient movement of people across the border to both
our countries' economies.
The PASS card would be an added expense, particularly for families, and the application process is still
unclear. We would like to see children under 16 allowed to enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship only,
provided they are travelling with a parent, guardian or designated chaperone who is in possession of
secure travel documents.
The inconvenience of having to apply for and carry a new document would be a barrier to many of our
traditional visitors. We remain convinced that the best solution is not a new kind of identification, but
rather that travellers be allowed to use an existing, commonly carried piece of ID, upgraded with new
security features and a citizenship designation.
Our government will continue to advocate for the establishment of a bi-national working group to consider
alternative proposals to the PASS Security Card. We would like to see any new form of travel
documentation piloted on a trial basis at border crossings before the full implementation takes place. With
a new government in Ottawa, I will be renewing my call for a national tourism summit to address the
passport/PASS issue and other matters of concern to the tourism industry.
The tradition of friendship and cooperation across our border demands that we work to find a way to
increase security, while maintaining tourism and trade. The Ontario government is committed to
continuing to work with elected representatives and industry leaders from both countries to further improve
the border security initiative.
It is helpful to have stakeholders engage in this effort with us. Please share our concerns with your
members, staff and customers, so that they can educate others on the importance of this issue. If you
have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Tourism Policy at the Ministry of Tourism,
Sheila Larmer, at (416) 325-6055, or at [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
Jim Bradley
Minister
Hope this helps anybody!!
Evil
Minister Ministre
9th Floor, Hearst Block 9e étage, Édifice Hearst
900 Bay Street 900, rue Bay
Toronto, ON M7A 2E1 Toronto, ON M7A 2E1
Tel: (416) 326-9326 Tél.: (416) 326-9326
Fax: (416) 326-9338 Téléc.: (416) 326-9338
January 25, 2006
Dear Tourism Partner:
You may know that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of State have announced
that they are developing a new travel document, the PASS (People Access Security Service) card, as an
alternative to their earlier proposal to require a passport to cross land borders into the U.S. from Canada.
This represents progress in our effort to keep the border free-flowing for tourism. The passport-only
approach has been dropped. The proposed PASS card is wallet-sized and would be more convenient to
carry than a passport. It would cost less.
Our government strongly supports the goal of improving border security. Nevertheless serious concerns
remain, given the vital importance of the safe and efficient movement of people across the border to both
our countries' economies.
The PASS card would be an added expense, particularly for families, and the application process is still
unclear. We would like to see children under 16 allowed to enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship only,
provided they are travelling with a parent, guardian or designated chaperone who is in possession of
secure travel documents.
The inconvenience of having to apply for and carry a new document would be a barrier to many of our
traditional visitors. We remain convinced that the best solution is not a new kind of identification, but
rather that travellers be allowed to use an existing, commonly carried piece of ID, upgraded with new
security features and a citizenship designation.
Our government will continue to advocate for the establishment of a bi-national working group to consider
alternative proposals to the PASS Security Card. We would like to see any new form of travel
documentation piloted on a trial basis at border crossings before the full implementation takes place. With
a new government in Ottawa, I will be renewing my call for a national tourism summit to address the
passport/PASS issue and other matters of concern to the tourism industry.
The tradition of friendship and cooperation across our border demands that we work to find a way to
increase security, while maintaining tourism and trade. The Ontario government is committed to
continuing to work with elected representatives and industry leaders from both countries to further improve
the border security initiative.
It is helpful to have stakeholders engage in this effort with us. Please share our concerns with your
members, staff and customers, so that they can educate others on the importance of this issue. If you
have any questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Tourism Policy at the Ministry of Tourism,
Sheila Larmer, at (416) 325-6055, or at [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
Jim Bradley
Minister
Hope this helps anybody!!
Evil
