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The countries have long been exempt from the fee, but the cash-strapped U.S. government — which is facing a $1-trillion deficit — expects to collect about $110-million annually from the tax.

The new levy will not apply to Canadians crossing the border into the U.S. in their vehicles. Nevertheless, the Harper government is not impressed with the fee and is vowing to fight it.

“Raising taxes at the border just raises costs on consumers,” International Trade Minister Ed Fast said in a statement. “Canadian officials have raised concerns about the removal of this exemption at the highest level. We will continue to raise Canada’s concerns with U.S. lawmakers.”

Approximately 7 million Canadians flew to the United States in 2010, according to Statistics Canada, while more than 150,000 travelled by boat.

NDP international trade critic Robert Chisholm attacked the government Monday in question period for failing to stand up for Canadians in cross-border relations, and said the $5.50 levy is just the latest example.

“When it comes to defending the interests of Canadians, Conservatives have shown they cannot be trusted,” Chisholm said.

Gerald Keddy, parliamentary secretary to Fast, said in the House of Commons the government is “disappointed” the exemption is being removed.

“We would hope that they will recognize the error of their ways, and free and open trade is the way out of this economic depression, not into it,” Keddy said.