Minister Goodale discussed border commitments with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Johnson

OTTAWA, Oct. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ralph Goodale met with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson in Ottawa to discuss Canada-U.S. border cooperation.

"Today I welcomed my U.S. counterpart, Secretary Johnson, to Ottawa and had the opportunity to discuss progress on our shared border commitments.

Over the last year we have achieved significant progress on a wide range of initiatives to facilitate trade and travel. Over 400,000 people and $2.4 billion in trade cross our shared border every day, so collaboration between our countries is absolutely essential.

Secretary Johnson and I discussed our progress on implementing the preclearance agreement, its expansion to new sites and the intention to identify sites for cargo pilots. It's estimated that 12 million people use preclearance every year at Canada's eight preclearance airports. Our continued work on preclearance will enhance our mutual security, prosperity and economic competitiveness.

In addition to preclearance we talked about progress on other initiatives such as Entry/Exit and information sharing for the purposes of national security. These programs help to ensure the vital flow of legitimate travel and trade across the border, while protecting our national security and privacy.  

I want to thank Secretary Johnson for the meaningful conversation today. Canada remains committed to strengthening its relationship with its neighbour and delivering on its promise of a safe and efficient border."

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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, [phone]