Process under way: Canada files inquiry, taking first step toward shared station
The Canadian government has informed the U.S. government it’s ready to discuss siting a shared port of entry in Massena, according to Rep. William L. Owens.
Until 2009, the Canadian customs booths at the Seaway International Bridge crossing were on Cornwall Island, which is part of the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation. When the Canadian government made a move to arm its customs officers, protests from the Mohawks closed the bridge for six weeks and prompted the checkpoint to be temporarily moved to Cornwall, Ontario.
Since then, the Canadian government has considered four options for the future of its customs booth: creating a shared port of entry in Massena, making the temporary station permanent, returning to the island or closing down the bridge. Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, said the shared port of entry option took a step forward this summer. Read more here.
