Government Relations Report Ron Steeves First Vice-President Since my last report, the Biden administration has moved to officially rescind the presidential proclamation which required all international air travellers to be fully vaccinated against COVID19 for entry into the United States. In a corresponding move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented their own policy change – they no longer require non-U.S. travellers entering the United States by land ports of entry and ferry terminals to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Both of these changes came into effect on May 12, 2023. Stateside, CSA representatives continue to work on lobbying for passage of our Canadian retiree visa legislation. A Senate version of our bill was reintroduced earlier this year by Florida Senator Marco Rubio and we are hopeful to have a companion bill reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives later this year. CSA representatives are also looking at having our retiree visa proposal attached to larger pieces of legislation which have momentum in both houses. As you know, if this legislation is approved in both the Senate and House of Representatives, it will create a new visa classification for retired Canadians, allowing them to spend up to eight months in the United States annually. We have also included a provision in the text of the bill which would prevent eligible Canadians from being treated as U.S. residents for tax purposes. This provision will ensure that Canadians entering the United States under this new visa classification will not be subject to negative tax ramifications, despite being physically present in the United States for longer than six months. More information about our retiree visa efforts will be provided to members via email. In April, the Canadian Government announced the introduction of a new Verified Traveller program to be launched by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). This new Verified Traveller program will replace the current Trusted Traveller program. By June 21, 2023, dedicated Verified Traveller screening lines will be available at select domestic and international checkpoints at Vancouver International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Winnipeg International Airport, Toronto-Pearson International Airport and MontrealTrudeau International Airport. The new screening lines will be implemented in an effort to ease travel congestion over time. Signage will be posted at the front of all checkpoints which offer a Verified Traveller service, as well as the benefits offered at that checkpoint. The new lines provide eligible travellers with select benefits at security screening checkpoints, such as keeping laptops, large electronics and compliant liquids and gels in their carry-on, and keeping their shoes, belt and light jacket on. Eligible travellers include: • Members of NEXUS and Global Entry; • Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and U.S. military, including reservists, with valid ID; • Canadian aircrew and airport workers with Restricted Area Identification Cards; • International aircrew (in uniform) with valid airline ID; and • Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, Canadian police officers and constables with a badge and proper photo identification issued by their respective organizations. Please note that verified travellers must comply with screening rules for non-permitted and prohibited items and will be asked to pass through a walk-through metal detector or full-body scanner. Carry-on items will be X-rayed, and verified travellers may also be required to undergo additional search procedures. The Verified Traveller program also allows children who are 17 years of age and younger, and adults who are 75 years of age and older to accompany verified travellers through security, provided that they are on the same reservation. Several airports will also offer verified travellers front-of-the-line service and additional benefits at trans-border checkpoints (flights to the U.S.). For more information and a list of airports, visit CATSA’s website at catsa-acsta. gc.ca. The CSA will provide further details to members – through our email advisories – about this program as these become available. So far this year, the CSA has distributed provincial election handbooks to members in Prince Edward Island and Alberta. The election handbooks which we produce contain key information about our major issues in each province, as well as details regarding how to vote and key dates, to ensure that members have the information that they need in order to exercise their right to vote. Electronic versions of the election handbooks are also uploaded onto our website – snowbirds. org. Members in Manitoba and Northwest Territories will also be receiving handbooks for their upcoming general elections this year. Judy and I wish you a safe and happy summer. CSANews | SUMMER 2023 | 11
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