Canada Needs to Counter Perception Country Is Weak on Security, Report Says

(The Canadian Press)

Canadian officials need to launch an aggressive public relations strategy to help deal with the perception the country is weak on security, a new report to be released Tuesday by Canadian International Council says. The report also urges the United States to work with Canada to speed the flow of legitimate trade and people across the border.

“Canada and the U.S. appear to be moving in the opposite direction with serious consequences at these challenging economic times,” said Michael Kergin, a former Canadian ambassador to the United States and author of the report. “The auto industry, currently facing unprecedented financial challenges, is an example of a sector which has been adversely affected by the layering of border measures.”

The report called for the establishment of a permanent joint border commission to address the economic consequences by the increased regulatory fees and security measures implemented after September 11, 2001.

The Canadian International Council was founded last year by Jim Balsillie, co-chief executive of BlackBerry inventor Research in Motion. The program’s areas of focus for 2008-2009 include China, border issues, Arctic sovereignty and security and energy.

Download “A New Bridge for Old Allies“ (20 pages PDF)
Read the Executive Summary