Us Canada Border History and Current Issues

The US-Canada border is a unique and fascinating topic. The border has a long and complex history, with the first border established in 1783 by the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War.

The border has been a point of contention over the years, with the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 attempting to resolve border disputes. The treaty established the border between the US and Canada, with the 49th parallel serving as the main dividing line.

The border has also been a major trade route, with the US and Canada enjoying a significant trade partnership. In fact, the US is Canada's largest trading partner, with two-way trade valued at over $600 billion in 2020.

The border between the US and Canada has a rich and complex history, with many disputes and negotiations shaping its current form. One of the earliest issues was the interpretation of border treaties, leading to the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842.

The treaty resolved the Aroostook War, a dispute over the boundary between Maine, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada. It also redefined the border between New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York on one hand, and the Province of Canada on the other.

A significant issue arose at the outlet to Lake Champlain, where the actual 45th parallel was found to be three-quarters of a mile south of the surveyed line, leading to the construction of "Fort Blunder" in Canada. The border along the Boundary Waters in present-day Ontario and Minnesota was also redefined.

The Oregon Treaty of 1846 further established the 49th parallel as the boundary through the Rockies, resolving a dispute between the US and the UK over the northern boundary of the US west of the Rockies.

The Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842 was a pivotal agreement that resolved several border disputes between the United States and the Province of Canada. It ended the Aroostook War, a conflict over the boundary between Maine, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada.

The treaty redefined the border between New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York on one hand, and the Province of Canada on the other, resolving the Indian Stream dispute and the Fort Blunder dilemma at the outlet to Lake Champlain.

A significant portion of the border between the U.S. states of Vermont and New York, and the Province of Canada, was surveyed from 1771 to 1773, and again after the War of 1812.

The U.S. federal government constructed fortifications just south of the border at Rouses Point, New York, on Lake Champlain, but measurements revealed that the actual 45th parallel was three-quarters of a mile south of the surveyed line.

The border along the Boundary Waters in present-day Ontario and Minnesota between Lake Superior and the Northwest Angle was also redefined by the treaty.

The treaty left the border on the meandering line as surveyed, resolving the dilemma created by Fort Blunder, which was actually located in Canada.

The Oregon Treaty of 1846 was a crucial agreement that resolved a boundary dispute between the United States and the United Kingdom.

The dispute centered on the northern boundary of the U.S. west of the Rockies, with the U.S. initially advocating for a border at 54°40′N related to the southern boundary of Russia's Alaska Territory.

The 1844 boundary dispute was a significant issue during the Presidency of James K. Polk.

The treaty ultimately established the 49th parallel as the boundary through the Rockies, satisfying the U.K.'s desire for a border that followed the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean.

The Canada-US border has experienced its fair share of disruptions, particularly at the Akwesasne crossing.

In May 2009, the Mohawk people of Akwesasne occupied the area around the Canada Border Services Agency port of entry building to protest the Canadian government's decision to arm its border agents while operating on Mohawk territory.

The occupation led to the closure of the north span of the Seaway International Bridge and the CBSA inspection facilities, blocking northbound traffic for six weeks.

The Canadian border at this crossing remained closed for six weeks until July 13, 2009, when the CBSA opened a temporary inspection station at the north end of the north span of the bridge in the city of Cornwall.

The Mohawk people of Akwesasne have staged ongoing protests at this border, including in 2014, when they objected to a new process that made their crossing more tedious and believed it violated their treaty rights of free passage.

The 2020-2021 closure of the border between Canada and the United States was a significant event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure was initially agreed upon by the governments of both countries on March 21, 2020, for a 30-day period.

This blanket ban on non-essential travel was extended 15 times, with the Canadian government announcing in mid-June 2021 that it would ease some entry requirements for fully vaccinated individuals starting on July 5.

The closure finally expired on July 21.

In May 2009, the Mohawk people of Akwesasne occupied the area around the Canada Border Services Agency port of entry building to protest the Canadian government's decision to arm its border agents while operating on Mohawk territory.

The north span of the Seaway International Bridge and the CBSA inspection facilities were closed during this occupation.

The Canadian flag was replaced with the flag of the Mohawk people, a bold statement of their resistance.

Northbound traffic was blocked on the U.S. side by both American and Canadian officials, while U.S. Customs remained open to southbound traffic.

The Canadian border at this crossing remained closed for six weeks, a significant disruption to travel and trade.

On July 13, 2009, the CBSA opened a temporary inspection station at the north end of the north span of the bridge in the city of Cornwall, allowing traffic to once again flow in both directions.

This occupation was not a one-time event, but rather part of ongoing protests by the Mohawk people of Akwesasne.

In August 2017, the border between Quebec and New York saw an influx of up to 500 irregular crossings each day, by individuals seeking asylum in Canada.

Canada increased border security and immigration staffing in the area in response to the crisis.

The RCMP intercepted 25,645 people crossing the border into Canada from an unauthorized point of entry between January 2017 and March 2018.

Public Safety Canada estimates another 2,500 people came across in April 2018, bringing the total to just over 28,000.

Crossing the border irregularly did not affect one's asylum status, as Canada reiterated this fact during the crisis.

In recent years, Canadian officials have highlighted drug, cigarette, and firearm smuggling from the United States. U.S. officials, on the other hand, have complained about drug smuggling via Canada.

In 2005, law enforcement personnel discovered a 110-metre tunnel under the British Columbia-Washington border, intended for marijuana smuggling.

Cornwall, Ontario, experiences ongoing smuggling, mostly of tobacco and firearms from the United States. The neighboring Mohawk territory of Akwesasne straddles the Ontario-Quebec-New York borders, where its First Nations sovereignty hinders law enforcement jurisdiction.

Agents in Washington estimate that they catch only about 5% of smugglers, suggesting a large number of undetected cases.

If you're planning to cross the border, it's essential to check the current wait times to avoid any unexpected delays. According to the latest updates, some border crossings are experiencing significant wait times.

The Ambassador Bridge, for instance, has a wait time of 30 minutes for commercial flow. On the other hand, some crossings like the Edmundston and Stanstead (55) are experiencing no delays at all.

If you're heading to the US-Canada border, it's worth noting that some crossings are temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances. The Lacolle: Route 223 crossing, for example, is currently closed.

Here's a breakdown of the current wait times at some of the major border crossings:

Keep in mind that wait times can vary depending on several factors, including the time of day and the number of travelers. It's always a good idea to check for updates before heading to the border.

The US-Canada border is a 5,525-mile-long stretch of land that requires robust border control and security measures. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) work together to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

Both countries have implemented various security protocols, including the use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, to verify identities. This technology has been particularly effective in reducing identity theft and human trafficking.

The US and Canada have also established a trusted traveler program, NEXUS, which allows low-risk travelers to use dedicated lanes and kiosks to expedite their crossings.

Identification requirements for crossing the Canada-US border have changed over the years. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security implemented new identification requirements for travelers entering the United States.

Travelers entering by air were required to produce a valid passport. This requirement went into effect in January 2007.

A valid passport card and an enhanced driver's license are also accepted forms of identification for land and sea entry. These licenses are issued by specific U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security specifies six forms of identification acceptable for crossing the U.S. border:

Travelers entering the U.S. by land or sea must present one of these forms of identification, which became mandatory in June 2009. This requirement applies to all travelers, including those arriving by ferry.

At the Peace Arch border crossing, a traffic signal moves traffic in pulses, allowing motorists to turn off their engines while waiting for the line ahead to clear. This reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from southbound traffic by an estimated 45 percent, and saves nearly half a litre of fuel per vehicle.

If all drivers avoided idling for three minutes a day, we would prevent 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere daily and contributing to climate change.

To make the most of your visit to the Peace Arch border crossing, be sure to check out the Canada Border Services Agency website for more information on border crossings. You can also find duty-free shops and learn about the Canada-U.S. Transportation Border Working Group.

If you're planning a vacation, consider visiting the official tourism websites for British Columbia, Washington State, Tourism Surrey, and Bellingham Whatcom County. They have plenty of information on local attractions and activities.

By implementing intelligent transportation systems, like the one at the Peace Arch border crossing, we can reduce our environmental impact and make travel more efficient.

As you prepare for your next trip, it's essential to consider the fine line between security and privacy. Many countries have implemented advanced biometric technologies, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, to enhance border control.

These technologies can significantly reduce waiting times and improve the overall travel experience. However, they also raise concerns about data collection and potential misuse.

In some countries, travellers are required to provide detailed personal information, including their itinerary, accommodation, and contact details. This information is often shared with various government agencies and third-party companies.

It's worth noting that some countries have stricter data protection laws than others, so it's crucial to research the specific regulations of your destination.

The US-Canada border stretches for 8,891 kilometers, making it the longest international border in the world.

This border is shared by 13 US states and three Canadian provinces, with the majority of it being in the states of Washington, Minnesota, and Montana, and the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

The border passes through diverse geography, including mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, creating a unique blend of natural beauty and economic importance.

Boundary surveys have played a crucial role in defining the border between countries.

The Northwest Boundary Survey, conducted from 1857 to 1861, laid out the land boundary between the United States and British North America.

This survey was followed by the International Boundary Survey in 1872, which established the border as agreed to in the Treaty of 1818.

Archibald Campbell led the U.S. team, while Donald Cameron and Samuel Anderson led the British team.

The International Boundary Survey focused on the border from the Lake of the Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains.

The survey was a significant step in settling the border between the Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands, which had been a point of contention since the Pig War in 1859.

The length of the terrestrial boundary between Canada and the United States is 8,891 km (5,525 mi).

This boundary stretches across eight Canadian provinces and territories and thirteen U.S. states, making it a significant geographical feature in North America.

The longest border between a Canadian province and a U.S. state is shared by Ontario and Minnesota, with a length of 2,727 km (1,682 mi).

Ontario's border with the U.S. is also the longest provincial international border, with most of it being a water boundary.

The shortest border between a Canadian province and a U.S. state is shared by Pennsylvania and Ontario, with a length of 68 km (42 mi).

Here's a list of the top 5 longest borders between Canadian provinces and U.S. states:

The shortest borders between Canadian provinces and U.S. states are shared by Idaho and Ontario, New Hampshire and Ontario, and Pennsylvania and Ontario, all with lengths of less than 100 km (62 mi).

The Yukon territory shares its entire western border with Alaska, starting at the Beaufort Sea. This unique border is marked by the 141st meridian west.

The Yukon's border begins at 69°39′N141°00′W and proceeds southwards along this meridian. This is a significant geographical feature that affects the region's climate and ecosystem.

At 60°18′N, the border takes a dramatic turn, shifting away from the 141st meridian west in a southeastward direction. This change in direction is due to the Saint Elias Mountains, which play a crucial role in shaping the Yukon's terrain.

The Yukon's border continues south of the 60th parallel north, eventually entering British Columbia. This marks the southernmost point of the Yukon's border with Alaska.

British Columbia has two international borders with the United States. One is with the state of Alaska along BC's northwest, and the other is with the contiguous United States along the southern edge of the province.

The border with Alaska proceeds through the Saint Elias Mountains, followed by Mount Fairweather, before heading northwestward towards the Coast Mountains. This border eventually reaches the Portland Canal and follows it outward to the Dixon Entrance, where it terminates in the Pacific Ocean.

The border with the contiguous United States begins southwest of Vancouver Island and northwest of the Olympic Peninsula. It follows the Strait of Juan de Fuca eastward, turning northeastward to enter Haro Strait, and then turns sharply eastward through Boundary Pass.

Interestingly, the border also bisects the Strait of Georgia, separating the Canadian and American sides, and continues into Alberta.

New Brunswick shares its entire border with the U.S. state of Maine. The border begins at the southern tip of Beau Lake, located between Rivière-Bleue, Quebec, and Saint-François Parish, New Brunswick.

The border then proceeds to the Saint John River, where it moves through the river until it splits from the river between Hamlin, Maine, and Grand Falls, New Brunswick. This marks a significant point in the border's journey.

The border heads southward to near Amity, Maine, from where it follows the Monument Brook further south into the Chiputneticook Lakes. The border then proceeds through the St. Croix River and into Passamaquoddy Bay.

The border leads to Grand Manan Island, which is located in the Bay of Fundy. Here, the border turns towards the south and terminates upon reaching international waters.

Seaports play a significant role in international trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada.

There are 13 international ferry crossings operating between the two countries, with four of them operating only on a seasonal basis. Two of these ferries carry passengers only, and one carries only rail cars.

The East Coast ferry services operate between New Brunswick and Maine, while on the West coast, they operate between British Columbia and the states of Washington and Alaska.

Ferry services also operate in the Great Lakes between Ontario and the states of Michigan, New York, and Ohio.

The ferry between Maine and Nova Scotia ended operations in 2009 but resumed again in 2014.

At major Canadian seaports, arrangements exist for sealed direct import shipments into the U.S.

US Exclaves are regions within the United States that are not directly connected to the rest of the country by land, requiring travel through another country to access. These regions are often situated near international borders.

The state of Alaska is a prime example of a US exclave, bounded by the Bering Sea, Arctic and Pacific oceans, and Canada's British Columbia and Yukon Territory. This makes several municipalities in southeast Alaska inaccessible by road, except via Canada.

The town of Hyder, Alaska, is only accessible through Stewart, British Columbia, or by floatplane. Similarly, Haines and Skagway are accessible by road only through Canada, although car ferries connect them to other Alaskan places.

Point Roberts, Washington, is another US exclave, bounded by British Columbia, the Strait of Georgia, and Boundary Bay. This small peninsula can only be reached by crossing the border from Canada.

In Minnesota, the Northwest Angle is a US exclave, bounded by the province of Manitoba and Lake of the Woods. This region is not directly connected to the rest of the United States by land, requiring travel through Canada to access.

Here's a list of US exclaves mentioned in the article:

There are 119 legal land border crossings between the United States and Canada.

Six roads have unstaffed road crossings, where travelers are required to report to customs, which are stationed farther within.

Currently, only 2 of the 119 land border crossings are one-way: the Churubusco–Franklin Centre Border Crossing, where travelers may enter only the United States; and the Four Falls Border Crossing, where travelers may enter only Canada.

The Fourth Connecticut Lake Trail crosses the border several times while following the border vista before heading back to the United States.

Hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail can only legally cross into Canada from the U.S. and not vice versa, requiring an advance permit.

There are 39 railroads that cross the U.S.–Canada border, nine of which are no longer in use.

Only three international rail lines currently carry passengers between the U.S. and Canada.

The US-Canada border has been a subject of controversy for many years. One of the most notable issues is the dispute over the border crossing at Roxham Road, which has been a major point of contention.

The US and Canada have different policies regarding asylum seekers, with the US having stricter guidelines. This has led to a significant increase in asylum seekers crossing the border at Roxham Road.

The border crossing at Roxham Road has been a major point of contention between the two countries. It's located near the town of Champlain, New York, and has become a popular route for asylum seekers.

The US has also been critical of Canada's "safe third country" agreement with the US, which requires asylum seekers to apply for refugee status in the first country they arrive in. This has led to a significant decrease in asylum seekers applying for refugee status in Canada.

The "safe third country" agreement has been in place since 2002, and has been a major point of contention between the two countries.