Some travellers are still using the ArriveCan app. Here’s why
Global News
While ArriveCan got off to a rocky start during the pandemic, the plan is to stick with the app and build in new features like the advance declaration tool.
When the ArriveCan app became optional at the start of October last year, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) expected a significant drop in usage. After a pandemic of traveller frustration and confusion with the app, including false quarantine notices, the CBSA prediction turned out to be right.
CBSA superintendent Neil VandenBroek says the usage of app dropped below 10 per cent when it became optional on Oct. 1, 2022 — but that there has also been a gradual increase in usage he links to the wider introduction of an advance declaration tool in ArriveCan.
And while ArriveCan got off to a rocky start during the pandemic, the plan is to stick with the app and build in new features like the advance declaration tool as part of a broader “border modernization strategy.”
“We understood that once the mandatory portion went away, we’d see a big drop in those numbers,” VandenBroek said.
Advanced customs declaration is currently available at seven airports in Canada. Travellers have the option of filling out their customs declarations within the ArriveCan app ahead of time, and then use an express customs lane upon arrival.
A Global News analysis of usage data since ArriveCan became optional puts the usage at 14.98 per cent of travellers arriving in Canada from Oct. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023.
The advanced declaration tool was available in six airports for the reporting period: Vancouver, Toronto Pearson, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax and Quebec City.
Advanced declaration became available at Calgary International Airport on Jan. 31. The CBSA has plans to expand the option for travellers arriving in Edmonton, Ottawa and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport in the coming months.
Ontario's police watchdog says it's looking into the death of a 19-year-old man after being shot by an officer in Mississauga.
A day earlier, Quebec's anti-corruption police announced they were launching a criminal investigation of the Quebec Liberals.
The association alleges two crews were unable to properly respond to calls last weekend because some gear and trucks are out of service.
The civil claim was filed after Canadian privacy commissioners reached similar conclusions about TikTok's targeted advertising practices and age verification measures.
The federal government is using artificial intelligence to sort through public input on AI policy.
The wife of an Ontario lawyer allegedly involved in a violent transnational drug ring headed by a former Canadian Olympian says she believes in his innocence.
A federal investigation of the CEO leading the Canadian Museum of Immigration has found Marie Chapman bullied staff and created an environment of fear that caused emotional harm.
Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. relation also says he has no reason to believe the Trump administration is preparing to tear up the free trade agreement.
Lisa Weir says her 86-year-old father needs to be in nursing home due to dementia, but waiting in hospital for a bed is putting his health further at risk.
Two of Canada's wealthiest families have cleared the final hurdle on the road to buying and donating the royal charter that created the Hudson's Bay Co.
Crews are working to repair a water main break in Brampton as it floods the streets Thursday morning, city officials say.
Court documents show that the 14-storey Versante Hotel was instead bought by a Hong Kong purchaser in October for the lower price of $51.5 million.
A panel of three Ontario judges heard arguments on a request by the provincial government for a judicial review of a decision handed down by the IPC last year.