With nothing in the way of a public announcement, the Canadian government has “paused the processing of new and renewal applications” for a program that allows travelers to cross into certain remote parts of the Boundary Waters region.

“The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program is not suspended and existing permit holders may continue to use their permits to cross the Canada-U.S. border,” said Karine Martel, who works as a communications advisor for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Martel shared the information with Paddle and Portage Nov. 11. link

That’s concerning. I’m hoping this is the case:

“Martel said the pause in processing permits is so that the agency can ‘work on reviewing and updating our procedures.’ When asked to clarify what that statement means, Martel did not respond as of the time this article was published.”

I’ll be the first to say that their system of procedures for processing and communication decisions is horribly inefficient. So if this is about taking a breather to fix that, it could be a positive move.

Given their inability or unwillingness to properly communicate what they are doing, I wouldn't hold my breath.

Surely it isn't related to the immigrant exodus that is about to happen?

Not a political statement.

Tom

tumblehome: "Surely it isnt related to the immigrant exedous that is about to happen?


Not a political statement.
Tom"

You can troll but I will not bite. If for no other reason, than respect for those that run this forum.

Dude, not trolling.

It’s a very plausible explanation until we hear otherwise.
Tom

tumblehome: "Dude, not trolling.

It’s a very plausible explanation until we hear otherwise.

Tom"

100%

Agree.

tumblehome: "Surely it isnt related to the immigrant exedous that is about to happen?

Not a political statement.

Tom"

I think it is definitely related. Here is an article about the fear of migrants coming to Canada to escape deportation in the US:

Article

Tumblehome, maybe I am wrong. I apologize. I never thought I would see the day that I could not cross into Canada because of all the illegal aliens we let into our country.

This really sucks. Many people have family on both sides of the of the border. A RABC permit can save a 200-mile drive. For some it is not just a change of vacation plans, it is about being with family.

OneMatch: "

tumblehome: "Surely it isnt related to the immigrant exodus that is about to happen?

Not a political statement.

Tom"

I think it is definitely related. Here is an article about the fear of migrants coming to Canada to escape deportation in the US:

article "

Yep, "pausing" the RABC is directly connected to Canada's anticipation of many more border crossings. Another article from the CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-quebec-mass-deportations-migrants-1.7376532

Minnesotian: "

OneMatch: "

tumblehome: "Surely it isnt related to the immigrant exodus that is about to happen?

Not a political statement.

Tom"

I think it is definitely related. Here is an article about the fear of migrants coming to Canada to escape deportation in the US:

article "

Yep, "pausing" the RABC is directly connected to Canada's anticipation of many more border crossings. Another article from the CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-quebec-mass-deportations-migrants-1.7376532 "

“Directly connected” — I think I missed that part of the article, or the part where they mention the RABC at all. I agree it’s likely that Canada is trying to limit the number of people crossing the border in remote areas so they don’t have to weed through who is legal and who isn’t. But I don’t see the point in making claims of certainty when this hasn’t been acknowledged by the Canadian government to this point.

thegildedgopher: "

Minnesotian: "

OneMatch: "

tumblehome: "Surely it isnt related to the immigrant exodus that is about to happen?


Not a political statement.


Tom"

I think it is definitely related. Here is an article about the fear of migrants coming to Canada to escape deportation in the US:


article "

Yep, "pausing" the RABC is directly connected to Canada's anticipation of many more border crossings. Another article from the CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-quebec-mass-deportations-migrants-1.7376532 "

“Directly connected” — I think I missed that part of the article, or the part where they mention the RABC at all. I agree it’s likely that Canada is trying to limit the number of people crossing the border in remote areas so they don’t have to weed through who is legal and who isn’t. But I don’t see the point in making claims of certainty when this hasn’t been acknowledged by the Canadian government to this point."

I get what you are saying we can't say for certain...but the timing and the way this was rolled out seems quite suspicious. I think we are unlikely to get direct acknowledgement from the Canadian Government, this isn't the US...they aren't required to give a reason.

T

I think this is all my fault, I was just researching about RABC permits in hopes of my first Quetico trip next spring. That same afternoon I read this news.

tumblehome: "Dude, not trolling.


It’s a very plausible explanation until we hear otherwise.
Tom"

It was the first thing that came to mind for me.

Also seems to reason, trippers that used to visit Q will now add to the crushing hordes in the BW. Great...

I wonder why…??

jaimed: "Also seems to reason, trippers that used to visit Q will now add to the crushing hordes in the BW. Great..."

Well maybe but probably not too many hoardes of Q visitors.
Certainly during covid there was an irruption of quetico campers into the bwca, myself being one of them. With a pause of RABC we still have northern entries available. With that, the northern Q might see a hoarde of displaced southern Q campers.
I hope it gets resolved. Canada is very gracious to even offer an RABC to use wild Yankees.
Tom

I am hoping my annual trips(s) to Canada since 2007 (with the exception of the two Covid years) will provide a long term record that I visit for 1-3 weeks at a time and always exit in the time frame I reported upon entry.

Just because you can't get an RABC permit doesn't mean you can't enter from the north.

thegildedgopher: "

Minnesotian: "

OneMatch: "

tumblehome: "Surely it isnt related to the immigrant exodus that is about to happen?


Not a political statement.


Tom"

I think it is definitely related. Here is an article about the fear of migrants coming to Canada to escape deportation in the US:


article "

Yep, "pausing" the RABC is directly connected to Canada's anticipation of many more border crossings. Another article from the CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-quebec-mass-deportations-migrants-1.7376532 "

“Directly connected” — I think I missed that part of the article, or the part where they mention the RABC at all. I agree it’s likely that Canada is trying to limit the number of people crossing the border in remote areas so they don’t have to weed through who is legal and who isn’t. But I don’t see the point in making claims of certainty when this hasn’t been acknowledged by the Canadian government to this point."

"Canada prepares for a rise in border crossings with threat of mass deportations under Trump"

Its the headline of the article and the very point of it. The point of the article is that the two are directly connected. Its actually in bold.

Neither the headline nor the article mentions the RABC. Canada preparing for a rise in border crossings is directly connected to the threat of mass deportations. Nowhere does it say that the pause of the RABC is part of said preparations. You’re drawing conclusions which seem reasonable enough, but we don’t know anything for certain.

While it could be that this is one of many steps Canada may take to enforce border control, I think it seems like an odd target. To qualify for RABC you have to apply, provide personal information, have documentation and passport. A person contemplating a covert crossing surely would not be able to provide such documentation or would not want to. And if you did have everything you needed to get an RABC you would also have everything you need to drive across easily at a port of entry without bothering with the RABC process or a an expedition requiring planning, special gear, and skill. So I don’t really see the political connection to the pause, other than by suspicious timing. But also if you were implementing some back end changes it would seem like pre-freeze / post peak November might be the most opportune time to do so.

I agree using a RABC permit to enter Canada illegally is unlikely. More likely to just cross in the back country without a permit. I crossed without a permit for many years. I have had a permit for the last 30 plus years. Things changed after 911 and enforcement increased on both sides. More so on the US side.

Maybe it is more about border personal and resources.

I wonder what will happen at Sand Point as well as Prairie Portage and Cache Bay.

Canada Border Crossing Services agency is the Government agency responsible for the flow of people entering Canada at all entry points and by all methods of entry.

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

The RABC is just one of many ways to enter Canada and while we know how it’s used more than anyone, you can see how Canadian Gov’t officials in Ottawa don’t hardly even know how it works like we do.

Putting a blanket pause on all.. let’s call it.. ‘secondary forms of entry into Canada’ was enacted so those same people can get a better understanding of how it works, how it’s enforced, and how to prevent unlawful immigration of non-citizens. I’m sure there are many other facets to their immigration program that will be affected other than the RABC.

Anyone on this forum knows that an RABC would be a last choice for a person to unlawfully use the program to enter Canada but try telling that to a suit in an office a 1000 miles away.
Tom

So at this point, to get to Quetico you have to go to a point of entry with a passport?

BWCA is going to be like during COVID

ockycamper: "So at this point, to get to Quetico you have to go to a point of entry with a passport?

BWCA is going to be like during COVID"

You don't need a passport. An Enhanced Drivers License will work for entry into Canada and Mexico.
Enhanced Drivers License

I sure hope magnetic north is right and this is just a pause to figure things out.

My conjecture is that they just want to simplify things during a time when resources are likely to be strained. If they make all remote border crossings illegal they don’t have the to spend time and resources determining if people observed crossing in these areas are doing so legally. This makes it more efficient to allocate resources to confront these folks.

I am wondering if they will amend the newish policy that allows us to cross to the Canadian side of border lakes without an RABC if we don’t come ashore, anchor on the Canadian side, or make contact with another boat. Hoping not. That would kill fishing on the Canadian side of lakes like Gunflint, Saganaga, North, etc.

for what its worth.....from a canadian member......i read most (but not all of the posts here).
as much as i understand the desire for a conversation on this topic, i would suggest there is no need to panic.
yes our gov has decided to review and possibly make some changes to our border protection system with the intent of being able to better deal with any possible increase in immigrant traffic from the u.s.
but to think they believe there will be some type of mass influx through the remote areas of MN is pretty silly.
it is more likely that the program you all are discussing is just a small part of a much bigger picture, and the program is being reviewed (like all other aspects of border protection) in order to improve it.
most likely it will make the system run better in the future with less security concerns.
so imho, i would wait to see how things go through the winter, and keep your eyes open for any new changes announced for the coming spring.

I wish someone would stop referring to the prime minister as Governor Trudeau and suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. Can't help this issue.

billconner: " I wish someone would stop referring to the prime minister as Governor Trudeau and suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. Can't help this issue.
"

Actually, I'm looking forward to canoe camping on home turf in Greenland. [!]

Any updates on the remote border crossing situation? is it back to business as usual or still on hold?

thx

I Truely thinks after this weeks actions it is going to be a political issue. Tariffs are coming. I would think twice also before opening the border if that was me being Canada. After remarks of Making Canada the 51st state. Very disrespectful.
In reality maybe Ontario would bring in more money in just by having the northern entry points open and issue a few more permits.

Thank you, Canada friends, for giving me the privilege to visit Quetico so easy and so affordable. Many years, early season entry was free or half price at Prairie Portage.
Also 1st person into Quetico in the spring I would meet the rangers on the portage and have come close friends. Met them so many times he wouldn't even check papers anymore. You have no idea how much dedication they have for protecting Quetico.
Maintenace people would fly in, after getting buildings ready they would sit on the dock and have a beer.

billconner: " I wish someone would stop referring to the prime minister as Governor Trudeau and suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. Can't help this issue.
"

Agree,I know many of my Canada friends are not very happy right now. So disrespectful.

wayneIII: "Any updates on the remote border crossing situation? is it back to business as usual or still on hold?


thx"

BELOW WAS COPIED AND PASTED FROM PADDLE AND PORTAGE WEB SITE. IT WAS POSTED JAN 21/25

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.”

...from the CBC news website: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is closing entry to the country along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)...posted Jan 27.

The 4,265-kilometre trail stretches from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington state. The vast majority of the trail is in the U.S., but a small 13-kilometre extension stretches into Canada within E.C. Manning Park, southeast of Hope in southern B.C.

Previously, hikers were able to apply in advance for a permit that would allow them to hike across the border on the trail, but the CBSA said Monday that the rules have changed.


"Hikers from the U.S. without a permit who wish to complete the Canadian portion of the trail will from now on be required to first enter Canada via a designated port of entry," the CBSA said in a release, noting that the change brings it into alignment wTrail users headed north will need to double back and find a way to get to one of the two border crossings by road or other means.

"It's quite an impediment to the last 13 kilometres and an awful lot of effort on their part, so I'm not sure how many people will actually go through with that, or they'll say the border is good enough and that's their final destination,"...the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which does not allow travellers to enter the U.S. from Canada on the trail...the CBSA did not say whether this decision is related to the president's border concerns.