About Government Agencies

Two agencies provide passport control and immigration services at YWG. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is a unified agency that oversees customs, immigration, and food inspection services at any port of entry to Canada. Any passenger arriving from a destination outside of Canada must report to the CBSA for inspection.

United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) provides similar services for departures to the United States from YWG. When USCBP processes passengers and baggage in YWG, the process is referred to as "preclearance." In the event a flight were to be processed by USCBP in the United States on arrival, the process is called "post-clearance." The vast majority of US-bound flights from YWG are precleared.

Preclearance has a long history in Canada, which dates back to an agreement from 1952. The relationship between YWG and USCBP is governed by enabling legislation signed between Canada and the United States. The area of the terminal in which USCBP operates is designated by Transport Canada as preclearance area. USCBP can only exercise their authorities within the defined area prescribed by Transport Canada.

Both agencies are customers with unique needs. However, the presence of CBSA and USCBP at YWG enable the airport to handle all type of passenger traffic.  ​​

The following section outlines the various government agencies that operate at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is a Crown corporation reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Transport that provides airport security screening for passengers, baggage and workers in secure areas of airports. CATSA was established on April 1, 2002 as part of an enhanced air travel security system following the 9/11 attacks in New York City. 

 
CATSA's responsibilities are categorized in four major areas, summarized below: 

Hold Baggage Screening (HBS): See Chapter 4 Airport Flows.  

Pre-Board Screening (PBS): Although this crown corporation oversees PBS operations, the resources that staff the PBS checkpoints are contracted to a service provider. In YWG, Garda World provides services to CATSA. In other regions, the service provider may differ. See Chapter 4 Airport Flows. 

Non-passenger Screening (NPS) See Chapter 4 Airport Flows. 

Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC):  

  CATSA is mandated with protecting the public through effective and efficient screening of air travellers and their baggage. Their goal is to provide a professional, effective and consistent level of security service across the country, at or above the standards set by Transport Canada. 

CATA's Mission: 

"To protect the public by securing critical elements of the air transportation system as assigned by the Government of Canada." 

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is a unified agency that oversees customs, immigration, and food inspection services at any port of entry to Canada. Any passenger arriving from a destination outside of Canada must report to the CBSA for inspection. They are a federal institution that is part of the Public Safety portfolio. 

CBSA's Mission:

"To ensure the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from Canada.​"

​

United States Customs Border Patrol (USCBP)

United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) provides similar services for departures to the United States from YWG. When USCBP processes passengers and baggage in YWG, the process is referred to as "preclearance." In the event a flight were to be processed by USCBP in the United States on arrival, the process is called "post-clearance." The vast majority of US-bound flights from YWG are precleared. 

Preclearance has a long history in Canada, which dates back to an agreement from 1952. The relationship between YWG and USCBP is governed by enabling legislation signed between Canada and the United States. The area of the terminal in which USCBP operates is designated by Transport Canada as preclearance area. USCBP can only exercise their authorities within the defined area prescribed by Transport Canada. 

U.S. CBP's Mission: 

"To safeguard America's borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the Nation's global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel"​

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

RCMP are the onsite 24-hr police presence; 3 members are on duty at any given time. RCMP monitor the terminal and respond to emergencies on inside the ATB and airside.  RCMP does not provide services in in the parking or groundside areas.