U.S. customs could be coming to Regina, Saskatoon airports

Travelling to the United States from Saskatchewan may soon get more convenient.

The federal government is in talks to provide U.S. customs and immigration at Regina and Saskatoon airports.

It is called pre-clearance and is available when passengers connect to the States through major airports like Calgary.

This was discussed when Saskatchewan MP Ralph Goodale met with President Donald Trump and his administration.

“And that eventually within the next numbers of years could well include airports in Regina and Saskatoon, we have to work on that, there have already been meetings between airport officials in Saskatchewan,” Goodale confirmed on Gormley.

“Now if you want to pre-clear out of Saskatchewan, you have to go through Winnipeg or Calgary or Vancouver. We are hoping to be able to establish that right in Regina and Saskatoon.”

When describing his first meeting with Trump, Goodale admitted he has a unique style.

“It is going to be a very, I think, strenuous time to become acquainted with his ways of doing business.”

Goodale called Trump “colourful, vigorous and animated”.

In addition to expanding pre-clearance, the agenda also covered issues around trade and energy.

Goodale said the meeting was “productive” and Trump was “very interested.”

– with files from Chris Carr.