Chamber Releases Report on the Canada-U.S. Border

(Canadian Chamber of Commerce)

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with 47 business associations from both sides of the border, today issued a joint report on Finding the Balance: Shared Border of the Future (PDF–32 pages). Following up on their 2008 report, this paper offers specific recommendations to reduce border costs in the short-term while increasing security at the border and competitiveness of all industries.

“Our countries share this common border and must work together to improve the flow of trade and people,” said Tom Donohue, President and CEO, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses rely on an efficient, predictable border to ensure profitability and growth. For the world’s largest trading partnership to expand during the recession, cooperation is essential.”

The report puts forward recommendations for both governments to act on within the next 18 months to improve our economies. These proposals include:

• steps to streamline border wait times;

• implementing trusted shipper programs to enhance supply chain security without imposing a one-size-fits-all regulatory burden on businesses;

• enacting the NEXUS program to expedite clearance for 1 million low-risk travellers;

• offer preclearance of goods and people beyond the currently defined “border” area; and

• provide funding for a single electronic filing system.

The border facilitates the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, with $1.6 billion in two-way trade and 300,000 travellers crossing the border on a daily basis. Thirty-seven of the fifty U.S. states rely on Canada as their largest export market. More than 10 million jobs rely on this relationship including 7.1 million jobs in the United States and 3 million jobs in Canada.

“The business community is looking for action from both governments to fix the structural problems at the border,” said Beatty. “We are providing both governments with practical recommendations to ensure we come out of this economic downturn stronger and more competitive.”

In addition to 47 business associations, the Canadian Chamber and U.S. Chamber had the support of its four sponsors: Con-Way Inc., MDS Nordion, Casco Inc., and Purolator.

Related: Chambers of Commerce Argue Against Border “Thickening” (HS Today)