Non-profit applauds, pushes for continued efforts on U.S.-Canada Perimeter Action Plans

SEATTLE - The U.S. and Canadian federal governments have released one-year "report cards" on the U.S.-Canada Perimeter Security and Beyond the Border (BTB), Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) action plans. The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) applauds both governments for the necessary focus to increase efficiency in the most important economic trading relationship in the world.

"With more than $1 million per minute in trade between our two countries, the progress seen in the report released today on the first year of these action plans is critical for the economic health of North America and the entire Pacific Northwest region," said Hon. Lyle Stewart, President of PNWER and Minister of Agriculture for Saskatchewan.

The reports identify key accomplishments, including: the development of a cross-border integrated cargo security strategy to address risks early from offshore shipments, joint planning and communication guides to facilitate maritime commerce recovery in the event of an emergency, the creation of a dedicated NEXUS lane at Canadian airports, a streamlined NEXUS renewal process, mutual recognition of air cargo security programs, the start of an entry-exit pilot project at four common land borders, and a joint Border Infrastructure Investment Plan.

"As a partner in the Pacific Northwest and as a province that places great value on our regional trade relationships, British Columbia supports the continued development of the U.S.- Canada Beyond the Border Action Plan," said Douglas Horne, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier of British Columbia. "A secure but open border is key to our economic prosperity, and by working with our American neighbours we will continue to make the movement of people and goods between us simpler and more efficient."

"These efforts have significantly increased collaboration with officials from both sides of the border focusing on critical issues identified by stakeholders," said Matt Morrison, PNWER CEO, "yet more remains to be done. Governments must streamline legitimate business travel for example, and implement an electronic 'single window' for all import/export regulations between the two countries, which will increase competitiveness," Morrison said. "This progress is important for the economic prosperity of the region, given the level of economic integration between northwestern states and western Canada."

For more information on the reports, "Beyond the Border Implementation Report" and Regulatory Cooperation Council Progress Report to Leaders," go to: http://bit.ly/beyondtheborder and http://bit.ly/RCCreport.

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