Edmonton, July 18, 2006 -- The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, and Michael Chertoff, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, met in Edmonton today where they held productive discussions on a range of issues including strengthening security, land pre - clearance, improving emergency management and facilitating cross-border trade and travel. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) was also a key agenda item. At a recent meeting, both Prime Minister Harper and President Bush tasked Secretary Chertoff and Minister Day to ensure that implementation of the WHTI is as simple and as flexible as the law permits. “Since I first met with Secretary Chertoff in April, Canadian and U.S. officials have been working to develop a set of recommended standards for documents that can be used as alternatives to passports,” said Minister Day. “The draft standards brought forward to us will form a solid basis to engage partners and stakeholders in discussions on alternative documents for cross-border travel.”“ Minister Day and I very much agree about the need to balance security with the imperative of keeping our borders open to legitimate passage of people and goods," said Secretary Chertoff. “Striking this balance is at the heart of our commitment to work together on cross-border issues.” Minister Day and the Secretary also agreed that members of existingtrusted traveler programs, like FAST and NEXUS, would continue to receive program benefits. FAST and NEXUS enable businesses and frequent travelers to be pre-screened, expediting cross-border travel. Efforts will be made to expand program participation and ensure the application process is more accessible. Minister Day and Secretary Chertoff have committed to speak regularly to discuss progress on issues of mutual interest, particularly WHTI, and will meet again this fall. See also:Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)For further information: Mélisa LeclercDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Public Safety (613) 991-2863
