OTTAWA, May 6, 2013—The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), spoke today at the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance Ottawa Conference on the benefits of and the progress made to date under the Beyond the Border Action Plan.
"Our government continues to make the implementation of the Beyond the Border Action Plan a key priority, and we have made significant progress to date," said Minister Toews. "We are making the border more efficient by strengthening our security and facilitating trade. This will benefit both travellers and businesses."
The Beyond the Border Action Plan, announced on December 7, 2011, by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama, focuses on addressing security threats at the earliest point possible and facilitating the lawful movement of people, goods, and services into Canada and the United States, and creates a long-term partnership to improve the management of our shared border.
"Modern and efficient border crossings are important for trade, travel and the Canadian economy," said Minister Fletcher. "Our Government recently announced infrastructure upgrades at four strategic border crossings and we are committed to supporting the safety, security and efficiency of our land ports of entry."
Minister Fletcher also addressed the progress made on the Detroit River International Crossing project, which will ensure that there is sufficient capacity to handle the projected increase in traffic at Canada’s busiest commercial border crossing.
Canada and the United States enjoy the largest trade relationship in the world. The Beyond the Border Action Plan will further increase our security, economic competitiveness and prosperity through numerous measures, including reducing border wait times and improving infrastructure at key crossings to speed up legitimate trade and travel.
The Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance is a bi-national organization comprised of public and private organizations engaged in Canada–U.S. trade, transportation and tourism. Approximately 50 participants from various Canadian and American private- and public-sector organizations were in attendance.
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Information:
Julie Carmichael
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2924
Brayden Akers
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Steven Fletcher
Minister of State (Transport)
613 949-8624
Media Relations
Transport Canada
613-993-0055
media@tc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
