January 30, 2024- Cornwall, Ontario
Recognizing the particular geography of the Cornwall port of entry, the Pilot Project was launched in late 2020, which designated a lane specifically for domestic travel. Since its launch, travellers have benefitted from a smoother border crossing experience at the CBSA Cornwall port of entry, including shorter wait times and reduced congestion.
The now permanent Domestic Lane is accessible to travellers who have not entered the United States. It includes those who are travelling directly to and from Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island). Domestic travel include Akwesasne residents and non-residents and signage at the port of entry clearly indicates which lane is for domestic travel only.
The Domestic Lane was developed as part of the Border Collaboration Initiative, a joint effort by the CBSA and MCA to improve the daily lives of all who travel through the Cornwall port of entry. The CBSA is committed to working in collaboration with Indigenous partners in providing integrated border services that both support national security and public safety priorities and facilitate the free flow of admissible people and goods. As part of its commitment to Reconciliation, the CBSA has been working with Indigenous Peoples and communities on border mobility to build a relationship based on respect, partnership, and recognition of Indigenous rights.
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“The Domestic Lane demonstrates what’s possible when we listen to one another and work together,” said CBSA President Erin O’Gorman. “By reducing wait times and speeding up processing, the Domestic Lane has improved the experience at the Cornwall port of entry for Akwesasne residents who need to cross regularly for school, work, shopping and healthcare. We’re committed to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne as we continue to build a path to support this community.”
“The Domestic Lane is an example of improvements that have been made, and will ideally continue to be made, to improve the border crossing experience for residents of Akwesasne,” said MCA Grand Chief Abram Benedict. “We continue to work with the CBSA to ensure the concerns of our community members are heard. Through our partnership, we will continue to find modern solutions to address the historic complications created by the drawing of the international border.”
