Significant change made to Canadian Nexus card policy
The process of filling out a Nexus card application has significantly changed for some Canadians.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed with Daily Hive in an email on Wednesday that Canadians applying for a new or renewed Nexus card no longer have the option to choose an “X” gender identifier and can only choose either “M” or “F.”
This change was implemented by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It’s a result of President Donald Trump’s executive order in January, which mandated that the U.S. would only recognize two sexes, “male” and “female,” on government documents such as visas and passports.
According to CBSA spokesperson Luke Reimer, the Nexus card application process change came into effect in February.
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The Nexus program allows low-risk, pre-approved travellers to speed past long border crossing lines. While it is jointly run by Canada and the U.S., the CBSA notes that the application process is housed on an American system that is operated by the CBP.
Many Canadian travellers not only use the Nexus card for shorter customs and security wait times to enter the U.S., but also to speed up their travel within Canada.
If you’re a Nexus member whose card identifies you as a gender other than “male” or “female” because it was issued before the executive order, the CBSA says you will not be impacted by this update, and your membership card remains valid.
In 2019, Canada provided non-binary people the option to select “X” as a gender marker on their passport, travel document, citizenship certificate or permanent resident card.
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“New applicants and existing members renewing their membership are able to apply using a passport with the ‘X’ gender identifier; however, they will be required to select ‘male’ or ‘female’ for the purposes of their Nexus membership,” stated Reimer.
Advocates of LGBTQ+ rights condemn this change and implore Canada to honour its commitment to gender inclusion and human rights.
Reimer notes that while the Canadian government recognizes the “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee entry or transit through other countries because travellers outside of Canada are subject to, and must follow the local laws of the destination country.
“Not all countries have the same values and legal system that we have in Canada,” explained the CBSA spokesperson. “As a result, it is important for travellers to be informed about the legal framework and social customs governing sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics in the destination country.”
He added that the CBSA continues to recognize individuals who self-identify with a gender identity other than “male” or “female.”