Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Meeting with Canadian Public Safety Minster Vic Toews

U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S.
12/12/2011 07:00 AM EST
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with Canadian Public Safety Minister Vic Toews to discuss the ongoing partnership between the United States and Canada to strengthen border security and information sharing capabilities to better combat cross-border crime, while expediting legitimate trade and travel.


“In today’s world, we face increasingly global economic and security challenges,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The United States and Canada must continue to work together to not only expand our economies and spur job growth, but also to enhance our shared security.”


During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews discussed current efforts to improve information sharing capabilities between the U.S. and Canada, as well as last week’s unveiling of the Beyond the Border (BTB) Action Plan and the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC) Action Plan by President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Harper.


“Canada and the United States have long cooperated on trade and security measures at the border,” said Minister Toews. “The Beyond the Border Action Plan announced last week by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama demonstrates our shared commitment to create economic opportunities and to improve the border by identifying security threats as early as possible and to facilitate the legitimate flow of goods and travel.”


The BTB Action Plan lays out common priorities for achieving a new long-term security partnership by addressing threats early; promoting trade facilitation, economic growth and jobs; strengthening cross-border law enforcement; and protecting shared critical infrastructure, including enhancing cybersecurity. Similarly, through the RCC, Canada and the U.S. will harmonize regulations in key industries, reducing the burden on businesses engaged in cross-border commerce.


Last week Secretary Napolitano met with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Canadian Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Denis Lebel regarding the ongoing partnership between the United States and Canada on border and transportation security.


Over the past two years, the Department of Homeland Security has made critical security improvements along the Northern border, investing in additional inspectors at the ports of entry, Border Patrol agents between the ports, and technology and infrastructure that enhance security and expedite travel. In August, Secretary Napolitano met with Minister Toews to discuss their shared vision for border security, and the safety, security, and resilience of the United States and Canada.