Canadian travellers to and from the U.S. may face extended border waits as the result of U.S. budget cuts, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
In a just-released CBP update on how the U.S. fiscal policy of sequestration – budget spending cuts totalling about $1 trillion over the next decade – will hit the agency, CBP explained that its top priority will be security.
"We will not allow degradation of our primary anti-terrorism mission," the agency said.
While CBP has yet to confirm impacts on specific border crossings, such as the Peace Arch, it stated that the cuts may cause delays to travellers.
"CBP will operate in a way that is least disruptive to border security and the facilitation of lawful travel and trade, but CBP will face budget cuts and employee furloughs that will result in increased wait times and reduced hours of service," the agency said.
"These impacts will likely increase during the summer peak travel season."
The agency also advised that passengers should expect longer processing times at air, land and sea ports and "to schedule connecting flights accordingly."
The agency warned that some impacts may hit right away.
"You may notice some changes immediately, while many of the anticipated effects of sequestration are likely to increase over time," it said.
