Trade: Vancouver Scene Of Border Emergency Planning And Testing
Vancouver was the scene of comprehensive testing conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and both public and private partners to ensure the movement of trade should a border emergency arise. Together they worked on finding ways to improve needed communications between government agencies and the overall business community around national security and trade.
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said of the tests, "Ensuring the smooth flow of nearly $2 billion worth of goods and services that cross the Canada-U.S. border daily is vital. This exercise is a direct result of the $24 million Canada's New Government dedicated to business resumption planning earlier this year."
Representatives worked on scenarios that have a potential to disrupt our major land border crossings and marine ports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner W. Ralph Basham said, "This exercise shows how our two countries and the private sector can collaborate to minimize the impact of an emergency. The more thoughtful consideration we give now to worst-case scenarios, the better prepared we will be in the future to lessen damage, including to international trade."
The CBSA and U.S. CBP have pledged to continue working with private and public business partners going forward. They want to ensure that they can guarantee a coordinated response to any potential border situation that could impact on business between Canada and the United States.
"It is important for government and industry to work together to create coordinated contingency plans to minimize the economic impact of disruptions," said Shirley-Ann George, Vice-President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The Canada Border Services Agency says these tests are an example of work being conducted through the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America - SPP. Many non-governmental groups are warning about the SPP as much of the work is being done outside of the realm of the House of Commons by non-elected representitives who are not accountable to anyone.