STATEMENT BY CHRIS LEWIS, MP ESSEX
Chris Lewis calls on the Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness to take action on FAST CARD delays
Commercial drivers are experiencing difficulties getting their FAST CARDS approved
Fast Support Service office closed due to Covid pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 4, 2021
Essex MP, Chris Lewis has appealed to the Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness, to ensure that commercial drivers crossing the Canada-US border for essential travel can get their FAST CARDS approved in a timely fashion.
“Recently, a constituent whose FAST CARD had expired, cleared all the application requirements, but could not secure an “in-person” interview which was cited in his application as a requirement.” The Fast Card Support Office is closed due to the pandemic.
Stressing the need for timely action, Lewis added, “This is a matter that requires the Minister’s immediate attention.”
Lewis went on to say, “Not only are these delays in applications troubling, but what happens when truck drivers need to renew their FAST CARDS? Will they face similar hurdles? Or, if the renewal deadlines are extended, will that cause a flood of applications that will overwhelm the system once the Fast Support Service office reopens?”
Lewis recently raised the matter in the House of Commons (see link below). He has also written a letter to Minister Blair, to underscore the need and ask for swift action. “Windsor-Essex is the busiest border crossing in North America. Failures in processing FAST CARD applications and renewals will create unnecessary bottlenecks and delays in delivering these goods.”
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