Update on Canada-U.S. Border Security

Opportunity to View Comments on the U.S. Passcard

The United States government invited comments regarding its proposed pass card for use at U.S. land border crossings, beginning as early as January 2008.

Click here to see the Government of Canada’s comment.

To see all comments, visit www.regulations.gov. Once you are there, change the "Search For" default to "All Documents (open or closed for comments)" by clicking the circle next to "All Documents." Then click on the drop-down menu for "Agency*" and click on "Department of State*". Click on the drop-down menu for "Document Type" and select "Proposed Rules". For "Keyword or ID" type "Passport" and click "Submit."

The Documents Search Results page will list 3 or 4 document titles and docket numbers. Click on the final docket number (DOS-2006-0393) for the "Card Format Passport; Changes to Passport Fee Schedule" document. On the Docket Details page you can access any and all public submissions by scrolling down and clicking on the document links in the "View" column next to "Public Submissions."

Canada invests over $430M for smart, secure borders

On January 12, 2007, Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, announced an investment of $431.6M over five years to reinforce smart, secure borders. This funding will allow three key initiatives under the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) — eManifest, Business Resumption and Partners in Protection – to move forward.

"Canada’s New Government is taking action to keep Canadians safe from potential security and health threats, while ensuring the smooth flow of trade across our borders," said Minister Day. "This significant investment is testimony that our government is moving forward and working with the business community on key programs to increase security and support economic prosperity."

• eManifest
  A $396M investment in eManifest to create a paperless trade environment where highway and rail carriers are required to submit pre-arrival cargo, crew and conveyance information electronically.



• Business Resumption
  A $24M investment for business resumption planning to harmonize and strengthen Canada–U.S. plans and to help ensure the continuity of border operations in the event of an emergency.



• Partners in Protection
  A $11.6M investment to strengthen this program that enlists the cooperation of private industry in efforts to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

On January 18-29, Minister Day met with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and members of the U.S. Congress. The meetings with administration officials and members of both the Senate and House of Representatives were part of a two-day visit on security and border-related issues. Please click here to view the press release. A transcript of the remarks by Minister Day and Secretary Chertoff are available at the DHS website.

• 1.6 billion dollars in trade per day
• Canada-U.S. trade directly supports 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Canada is the number one export destination for 38 U.S. states
• Total bilateral trade is worth more than 500 billion dollars a year

• Canada Border Services Agency
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Canadian Security Intelligence Service
• Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
• Infrastructure Canada
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Transport Canada
• Industry Canada
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency