U.S., Canada Discuss Possibility of Shared Border Facilities

(World Trade Interactive)

U.S. and Canadian officials met in Ottawa May 27 to discuss management of their common border. With respect to customs issues, the two sides said only that they would explore the possibility of sharing border facilities, equipment and technology. They also agreed on a framework for cross-border operations during and following an emergency.
Border Management.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Canadian Minister of Public Safety Peter Van Loan issued a joint statement following their meeting stating that they are committed to a “collaborative approach” to border management that “enhances our security and public safety while facilitating the trade and travel that connects our two countries.” The officials said they plan to meet twice a year to monitor progress toward the following goals.

• explore models for joint or shared border facilities, equipment and technology, as well as cross-designation of personnel

• develop joint threat and risk assessments and advance initiatives that manage risk while facilitating the movement of legitimate goods and people

• endeavor to share information relevant to preventing people or goods that threaten mutual safety and security from entering either nation or crossing the shared border

• expand integrated law enforcement operations along the shared border and waterways

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