On February 4, 2011 President Obama and Prime Minister Harper made a joint declaration to establish a new long-term partnership between Canada and the U.S. This partnership will strengthen the economic and physical security of both countries and facilitated the flow of legitimate people and goods across the border.

The issue

Improving the efficiency of the border
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has called upon the Canadian and U.S. governments to improve the efficiency of the Canada-U.S. border. Since 9/11, the costs of doing business across the border have grown thanks to the growing layers of regulations, infrastructure constraints, regulatory complexity and uncertain wait times.

Reducing non-tariff barriers to trade
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has advocated for regulatory alignment between Canada and the U.S., indicating that greater regulatory cooperation would foster economic growth, improve the competiveness of both economies and fuel job creation. 

What we got for you

Border efficiency

• A commitment by the Canadian and American governments to pursue a perimeter approach to security which will support economic competiveness, prosperity and job creation.
• A commitment to focus investment in modern border infrastructure and technology at the busiest ports of entry.
• A commitment to expand and harmonize trusted traveller and trader programs and automated processes at land borders.
• A commitment to improve information-sharing and cooperation between enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.
• A commitment to co-operate on the protection of critical infrastructure.
• The creation of the Beyond the Border Working Group (BBWG), composed of representatives from the relevant federal agencies on both sides of the border. The BBWG will report to the president and prime minister on the development of a Joint Action Plan to implement the goals of the declaration.

Regulatory cooperation

• The creation of a U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC), made up of senior regulatory, trade and foreign affairs officials from both governments. The RCC has been tasked with increasing regulatory coordination and transparency in order to promote economic growth and to create jobs.

How does this benefit me?

Improving the efficiency of the border
A high-level commitment to improving the efficiency of the border will reduce the costs of doing business, enhance security and facilitate trade. A Canada-U.S. border that is more effective, secure and trade-friendly will increase Canadian competiveness and create jobs on both sides of the border.

Reducing non-tariff barriers to trade
Greater regulatory alignment will enhance the ability of North American businesses to compete and grow. Non-tariff barriers to trade that arise from minor differences in product labelling, health and safety standards and other areas can become a major hindrance to cross-border business.