Canada extends RABC permit expiration dates to December 2025

An email from the Canada Border Services Agency landed in the inboxes of many outfitters, lodge owners, and individuals on Feb. 18, bringing with it a temporary sigh of relief.

After nearly five months of uncertainty and limited information on the pause in processing new and renewal applications and the validity of existing Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permits, the Canada Border Services Agency has issued an update.

The RABC program facilitates the border clearance process for individuals crossing the border into Canada in remote areas, such as Quetico Provincial Park, the Canadian side of Saganaga Lake or Gunflint Lake, and numerous other places. 

In late September 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency paused the processing of new and renewal applications for RABC permits as it worked to review and update the procedures. The pause created uncertainty for outfitters, fishing guides, and canoeists navigating the Canadian side of Saganaga and Gunflint Lakes, disrupted backcountry travel plans, and challenged accessing cabins or property.

With many individuals and businesses facing the impending expiration of their RABC permits before summer, the uncertainty around renewal made it difficult to plan for guiding or traveling to a cabin.

Then, in January, the Canada Border Services Agency announced the validity dates for existing RABC permits were extended to Dec. 31, 2025. However, only days later, the agency reversed its decision. The confusion led Representative for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District Pete Stauber to write a letter to the Minister of Public Safety David J. McGuinty to clarify the confusion and request additional information.

“Our shared border requires cooperation from both of our nations to ensure our citizens’ safety, fair trade, and access,” the Stauber wrote in the letter. “Citizens from both the United States and Canada rely on RABC permits, and it is in the best interest of both nations that you work expediently to resume the processing of RABC applications and clarify the confusion surrounding the program.”

Clarification was received on Feb. 18, with an email by the Canada Border Services Agency to existing RABC permit holders, slightly relieving the nerves as the extended expiration date had been reinstated.

Luke Reimer, a spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, wrote in an email to WTIP, “The Canada Border Services Agency has extended the validity of existing RABC permits while it works to complete the RABC program review process.”

Effective Feb. 18, 2025, all permits issued after Sept. 1, 2023, will be valid until Dec. 31, 2025, Reimer said. 

While new RABC permits are not being processed at this time, the Canada Border Services Agency is still accepting applications, and the applications will be processed once the program has been reviewed. 

Reimer said the Canada Border Services Agency regularly assesses its programs to respond to current service needs and evolving trends while ensuring Canada’s safety, security, and prosperity. “More information will be shared when available,” Reimer said.

Kalli Hawkins February 18, 2025