The United States ambassador says Washington must “take a look” to the pre-protection of the airport, citing a decrease in Canadian tourism

The United States Ambassador to Canada said Washington may need to reassess the airport pre-protection as part of an animated time exchange during a forum with Canadian business leaders on Thursday.

Addressing the Global Business Forum in Banff, Alberta, Pete Hoekstra said that the pre-protection locations in Canada are in decline.

“In fact, the figures are down. We are not sure we can operate the figures that pre-authorization is something that is done at the expense of the United States government. We have paid for this,” he said.

“You know, you can no longer make the figures work – you are all businessmen. You know what it means. You have to take a look at some of these things.”

The United States has been carrying out a pre-authorization “in various arrangements” at Canada airports since 1952. It has allowed customs and immigration officials in the destination country to be located in the country of origin.

Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat who was moderator of the forum, then pushed these remarks.

“Pre-authorization has been brought by (President Dwight) Eisenhower. This worked very well,” said Robertson, vice-president of the Canadian Institute for World Affairs.

“When the Canadians go to the United States-maybe not as many a year ago and a half ago a year ago-but we are still going a lot. We are your biggest source of tourism. If you finish pre-elimination, does it not cut your nose to turn your face?”

Hoekstra replied: “No one said we finish pre-authorization. Do not put words in my mouth.”

“I heard you say,” We have to look at him, “said Robertson.

“They are all businessmen, okay? If you have a company segment that has dropped by 20 to 25%,” said Hoekstra.

‘It was like a threat’

Addressing journalists after the interview, Robertson said he was clear to him that the United States reconsiders long-standing practice.

“For me, it was like a threat, saying, agree, if you don’t come, we’re going to cut the pre-protection,” he said.

If the United States had to change, it would be important to understand why, he added.

“But that’s something … which will make many Canadians do if you were to do this.”

According to the latest statistics Canada figures from August, the number of Canadians returning by plane in the United States fell 25.4% compared to the same month of last year.

American customs and immigration agents are currently carrying out pre-protection operations at Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg airports.