Despite a missive sent Jan. 16 from the Canada Border Services Agency to a Minnesota resident that said all permits under the Remote Area Border Crossing Program are valid until the end of the year, Canadian officials this morning hit the brakes on the news.

The letter sent last week read, in part, “To minimize impact on permit holders, the validity dates of all existing permits was extended until December 31, 2025. New applications made after September 25, 2024 will also be valid until December 31, 2025.”

This letter was sent to Paddle and Portage Jan. 17. The contents of the letter were verified by staff at Canadian customs at the Pigeon River Port of Entry over the weekend.

Following that, officials from CBSA in Ottawa told Paddle and Portage Jan. 21 that the statement “was provided in error.”

CBSA continues: “We regret any confusion caused and have reached out to the requester to correct the information. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is pursuing all options to support existing permit holders while we review and update our procedures. These options may include the extension of current permits, but no decision has been made to date. We do expect a decision in the coming weeks and will reach out to you personally as soon as there is any additional information to share.

The information we previously provided to Paddle and Portage remains the latest available.”

That information includes that “While RABC permit applications can still be submitted, as of Sept. 25, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has paused the processing of new and renewal applications as we work on reviewing and updating our procedures,” said Luke Reimer, a spokesperson for CBSA.

Reimer confirmed with Paddle and Portage Dec. 10 that the Canadian border agency “regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends.”

Part of assessing the current status of RABC permits includes dynamics focused on “ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada.”

In the email sent to Paddle and Portage Jan. 21, Reimer said: “While RABC permit applications can still be submitted, as of September 25, the CBSA has paused the processing of new and renewal applications as we work on reviewing and updating our procedures. The CBSA regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends, while ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of Canada.

Timelines for a resumption in processing are not yet available. The Agency is committed to notifying the public ahead of any significant adjustments to our programs and services.

Travelers wishing to enter Canada who do not hold a valid RABC permit must present themselves at an open port of entry. At select locations and within the guidelines of marine reporting programs such as NEXUS, they may also take advantage of telephone reporting by calling the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre: 1-888-226-7277 or 905-679-2073.”

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