Ottawa to U.S.: Go easy on border
January 23, 2007
23 January 2007
Ottawa to U.S.: Go easy on border
This article is excerpted from the 22 January 2007 edition of the “Toronto Star”.
Rash implementation of American passport requirements and other rules that hamper cross-border travel and trade could undermine the very fabric of Canada-U.S. relations, Ottawa's envoy to Washington warned today.
In a speech to the Empire Club, Michael Wilson urged the U.S. to proceed slowly in putting in place measures that make its northern border a more formidable barrier.
"Canada has seen a gradual thickening of the border over the past four years – initiatives that jeopardize our long-standing commercial and people-to-people connections," Wilson said.
"If not implemented carefully, (the measures) will undermine the foundation of NAFTA – the backbone of our economic integration – as well as our 140 years of shared friendship and family connections."
As part of its war against terrorism, Washington is bringing in its Western Travel Initiative….
The requirement will be extended to those arriving at land border crossings as early as a year from now.
"We are still encouraging the U.S. to take all of the necessary time required to get this right," Wilson said….
About 95 per cent of air travellers between the two countries already use passports, the ambassador noted….