Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness

The following is a declaration by the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States of America.  The official release can be found at: www.pm.gc.ca.  Separate statements on trade, energy, and border security are also available.

4 February 2011

Ottawa, Ontario and Washington, D.C.

Canada and the United States are staunch allies, vital economic partners, and steadfast friends. We share common values, deep links among our citizens, and deeply rooted ties. The extensive mobility of people, goods, capital, and information between our two countries has helped ensure that our societies remain open, democratic, and prosperous.

To preserve and extend the benefits our close relationship has helped bring to Canadians and Americans alike, we intend to pursue a perimeter approach to security, working together within, at, and away from the borders of our two countries to enhance our security and accelerate the legitimate flow of people, goods, and services between our two countries. We intend to do so in partnership, and in ways that support economic competitiveness, job creation, and prosperity.

Securing the U.S.-Canada Border

According to a Wall Street Journal news update (12-20-2010), “Canada, U.S. Near Security Accord,” Canada and the U.S. are making great strides towards improving border security.  The details of a new immigration and border security pact are set to be unveiled over the next few weeks.  The details of the security framework will have broad implications for the U.S.-Canada relationship.

In the Summer 2010 National Strategy Forum Review, Susan Ginsburg analyzed the status of U.S.-Canada border security and provided a detailed assessment of how the challenges can be overcome.  Ms. Ginsburg’s article, Securing Human Mobility at the U.S.-Canada Border, offered a six-fold strategy to secure the border.  These measures include: 1) regular joint threat and risk assessments; 2) deeper mutual assistance; 3) a transatlantic privacy and data-protection framework; 4) a one-stop border pre-clearance  system; 5) aligned admission standards; and 6) integrated surveillance and security operations in the border zone.

As the U.S. and Canada unveil the border security deal, Ms. Ginsburg’s strategy offers a good point of reference for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the new proposal.  Will the upcoming strategy make the U.S. and Canada more secure?

Ms. Ginsburg’s new book, Securing Human Mobility in the Age of Risk, has been very well received by security analysts.  The book is available for purchase at the Brookings Institute.