TORONTO, Ont. — The Canada Border Services Agency is holding client consultations to determine the need for, and feasibility of, making changes to the FAST program.

Headquarters’ representatives from the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) team are holding consultative sessions with importers, carriers and customs brokers/service providers in Montreal and Fredericton. In addition to these sessions, meetings will be held with existing and applicant Customs Self Assessment (CSA)/FAST importers to obtain their input.

The remaining sessions have been scheduled as follows:
* On March 9, 2005, a session will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 1900 Trans Canada Hwy, Dorval, Que.

* On March 16, 2005, a session will be held at the Hilton Suites, 1800 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Man.

* On March 21, 2005, a session will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 2515 Mountain Rd, Moncton, N.B.
* On March 22, 2005, a session will be held at the Fredericton Inn, 1315 Regent St, Fredericton, N.B.

All sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end by 4:00 p.m.
Sessions will kick off with an overview of the existing and emerging commercial program, notably the CSA /FAST and Advance Commercial Information (ACI) initiates.

Following a description of how the eligibility requirements and benefits of the FAST program into Canada differ from those of the FAST program into the United States, presenters will facilitate two simultaneous but separate feedback sessions with carriers/service providers and importers/customs brokers.

Presenters are interested in the views of small and medium sized enterprises and large businesses and hope to gather a broad range of input by having the opportunity to speak with a broad range of representatives from the trade community.

As seating will be limited, those interested in participating in these sessions are asked to confirm their attendance by contacting Ms. Brigitte Chouinard by email at Brigitte.Chouinard@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or by telephone at (613) 948-3142.

Based on the results of these consultations the CBSA says it will determine whether or not to proceed with modifications to the FAST program. However, the CBSA says it remains fully committed to the promotion and enhancement of the existing CSA program, as well as the ongoing development and implementation of ACI requirements in all modes of transportation.