(American Shipper – Chris Gillis)
The U.S. wood pallet industry has an effective plan for its part to prevent the spread of invasive wood-eating pests throughout the nation’s forests, but is increasingly frustrated by what it says is a failure by the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to act upon it.
The Alexandria, Va.-based National Wooden Pallet and Container Association proposed that APHIS quickly adopt a national standard consistent with the international standard for treating wood packaging against pest infestations.
“You might well ask why an industry would advocate implementation of a new government regulation on their product,” said Bruce Scholnick, NWPCA president and chief executive officer, in a Sept. 5 letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Edward Schafer. “The threat of invasive species destroying our nation’s trees is a crisis of such magnitude it warrants immediate decisive action.
“Failure to act puts our forests in peril and threatens our industry, and in fact all wood-related industries, with extinction,” Scholnick warned. Read the complete article.
September 6, 2008
September 5, 2008
Minister Ritz Releases Statement as Canada Tables its Official Comments on U.S. Mandatory Country-Of-Origin Labelling
(Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz issued the following statement as the Government of Canada tabled its official comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its recently published interim final rule on implementation of the mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL).
“The Government of Canada is disappointed the U.S. is moving forward with the COOL legislation,” said Minister Ritz. “The possibility that this may discriminate against Canadian products is a concern, therefore, the Government of Canada is working with industry and the provinces and territories to minimize any impact on Canadian farmers and ranchers.”
“Trade between Canada and the U.S. has tripled since the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and then the North American Free Trade Agreement,” Minister Ritz noted. “Reducing obstacles to trade has contributed to mutually-beneficial supply chains, making both countries more competitive domestically and internationally.”
The U.S. Congress passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill) in June. This legislation requires the mandatory COOL rule for beef, lamb, pork, chicken and goat meat, along with perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, pecans, ginseng and macadamia nuts, to be implemented by September 30, 2008.
The implementation of the COOL rule for food products has happened in stages. Implementation for fish and shellfish was effective April 4, 2005. However, implementation for all other commodities was delayed until September 2008. As it did in 2003, 2005 and 2007, the Government of Canada today submitted comments to the U.S. Federal Register, outlining its views on the rule.
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz issued the following statement as the Government of Canada tabled its official comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its recently published interim final rule on implementation of the mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL).
“The Government of Canada is disappointed the U.S. is moving forward with the COOL legislation,” said Minister Ritz. “The possibility that this may discriminate against Canadian products is a concern, therefore, the Government of Canada is working with industry and the provinces and territories to minimize any impact on Canadian farmers and ranchers.”
“Trade between Canada and the U.S. has tripled since the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and then the North American Free Trade Agreement,” Minister Ritz noted. “Reducing obstacles to trade has contributed to mutually-beneficial supply chains, making both countries more competitive domestically and internationally.”
The U.S. Congress passed the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill) in June. This legislation requires the mandatory COOL rule for beef, lamb, pork, chicken and goat meat, along with perishable agricultural commodities, peanuts, pecans, ginseng and macadamia nuts, to be implemented by September 30, 2008.
The implementation of the COOL rule for food products has happened in stages. Implementation for fish and shellfish was effective April 4, 2005. However, implementation for all other commodities was delayed until September 2008. As it did in 2003, 2005 and 2007, the Government of Canada today submitted comments to the U.S. Federal Register, outlining its views on the rule.
French Businesses Loath to End 35-Hour Week
(The Associated Press)
France’s decade-long experiment with a 35-hour work week is coming to an end, sort of.
A new law allows companies to negotiate their way out of a rule that has drawn both ridicule and envy in other countries and that France’s labor minister calls a “straitjacket” on the economy.
Yet the law, which took effect just before France began returning from its long summer vacation, is meeting resistance from both workers and the employers it was meant to benefit, suggesting President Nicolas Sarkozy’s headline reform may do little to boost growth.
The 35-hour law wasn’t just about France. It set economists well beyond its borders to wondering: Is this the future of work in the developed world? Instead, the ensuing decade saw rich nations’ workers laboring ever more and more. Indeed, even French workers today average 41 hours a week of labor, despite the 35-hour rule, thanks to overtime and the time worked by those, such as farmers and the self-employed, who aren’t subject to the measure.
Nuclear plant technician Mikael Perniceni figures his free time is secure, regardless of this law being called the “coup de grace” for the 35-hour week.
The 28-year-old still expects to use some of his almost eight weeks of annual paid time off to travel to Salt Lake City next year to hear the University of Utah Singers, with plenty of time left over for visiting friends and family.
The reason for his insouciance: While the law permits companies to negotiate new, longer working time agreements with employees, few employers are expected to do so, because of a widespread reluctance to relive the often fraught negotiations that led to the current working time agreements, businesses and economists say. And a tough economic climate isn’t helping.
The new law is the most high-profile of a series of economic reforms promised by the conservative Sarkozy, and workers’ and employers’ response will be watched closely as a barometer of how much further Sarkozy can go without unleashing the fearsome street protests that have stymied past attempts at reform.
France began its experiment with a shortened work week in 1998. The idea was that by shortening the work day, employers would be forced to hire more workers in a giant work-share scheme, helping reduce the country’s chronically high unemployment rate of around 10 percent.
The measure attracted considerable attention abroad, with some envy at the extra free time enjoyed by French workers offset by mocking references to the supposedly “lazy French” (despite the stereotype, the French rank among the world’s most productive workers). Belgium, for example, cut its working week to 38 hours in 2003.
A report by national statistics agency Insee estimated that around 350,000 new jobs were created between 1998 and 2002 thanks to the 35-hour-week policy.“But the boom was followed by a bust, with very slow job creation over the ensuing years, so for the whole 10-year period, the net result was zero,” said Nicolas Bouzou, an economist at economic research firm Asteres.
Reforming the 35-hour law was one of Sarkozy’s main pledges during last year’s presidential campaign. Sarkozy says the measure was an economic mistake that did not create jobs as it was intended to do.
Lawmakers approved the new law in late July, and it came into force in mid-August, just in time for the mass return from vacation that the French refer to as “La Rentrée.”
Employers’ reluctance to make use of the law’s provisions means its economic impact is likely to be minimal, Bouzou said.
Bouzou estimated that the whole package of economic reforms instituted so far by Sarkozy, of which the 35-hour reform is part, would tack on an additional 0.3 percentage point to economic growth next year.
The reform “is probably badly timed,” agreed Laurence Boone, chief French economist at Barclays Capital. With the economy close to a recession, declining by 0.3 percent in the second quarter according to a provisional estimate, companies have little need for longer work weeks, Boone said.
Even businessmen who rail against the 35-hour workweek say they don’t plan to make use of the new law, at least for now.
The 35-hour week is “a very bad thing, it devalued work, it’s unhealthy and difficult,” said Gilles Lecointre, founder and chief executive of Intercessio, a 150-person economic consulting firm in Paris.
But Lecointre, who also teaches at French business school Essec and has written a book on small and medium-sized companies, says he has no intention of ditching his company’s 35-hour agreement.
“At Intercessio, the negotiations over the 35 hours for salaried employees were long and terrible. It destroyed relationships,” Lecointre said, “We’re not going to go back through that.”
Lecointre recalls a bitter exchange with an employee who was blocking a deal because of a dispute over a few extra minutes of work per day. The working time debate resembled “haggling over a carpet with a rug merchant,” Lecointre said.
Under the complicated legislation passed in 1998 and 1999, the legal work week was shortened from 39 to 35 hours, with no reduction in pay. Overtime was limited to 130 hours per year. White collar employees whose work schedules didn’t permit a strict application of a seven-hour day were given about two weeks worth of extra holiday, so that once averaged out over the year their work week was also 35 hours.
In practice, French workers average 41 hours of labor a week, according to recent figures from France’s statistics agency. That’s more than Germany or Britain — and not much less than the 41.7 hours worked in the United States in 2006. Read the complete article.
France’s decade-long experiment with a 35-hour work week is coming to an end, sort of.
A new law allows companies to negotiate their way out of a rule that has drawn both ridicule and envy in other countries and that France’s labor minister calls a “straitjacket” on the economy.
Yet the law, which took effect just before France began returning from its long summer vacation, is meeting resistance from both workers and the employers it was meant to benefit, suggesting President Nicolas Sarkozy’s headline reform may do little to boost growth.
The 35-hour law wasn’t just about France. It set economists well beyond its borders to wondering: Is this the future of work in the developed world? Instead, the ensuing decade saw rich nations’ workers laboring ever more and more. Indeed, even French workers today average 41 hours a week of labor, despite the 35-hour rule, thanks to overtime and the time worked by those, such as farmers and the self-employed, who aren’t subject to the measure.
Nuclear plant technician Mikael Perniceni figures his free time is secure, regardless of this law being called the “coup de grace” for the 35-hour week.
The 28-year-old still expects to use some of his almost eight weeks of annual paid time off to travel to Salt Lake City next year to hear the University of Utah Singers, with plenty of time left over for visiting friends and family.
The reason for his insouciance: While the law permits companies to negotiate new, longer working time agreements with employees, few employers are expected to do so, because of a widespread reluctance to relive the often fraught negotiations that led to the current working time agreements, businesses and economists say. And a tough economic climate isn’t helping.
The new law is the most high-profile of a series of economic reforms promised by the conservative Sarkozy, and workers’ and employers’ response will be watched closely as a barometer of how much further Sarkozy can go without unleashing the fearsome street protests that have stymied past attempts at reform.
France began its experiment with a shortened work week in 1998. The idea was that by shortening the work day, employers would be forced to hire more workers in a giant work-share scheme, helping reduce the country’s chronically high unemployment rate of around 10 percent.
The measure attracted considerable attention abroad, with some envy at the extra free time enjoyed by French workers offset by mocking references to the supposedly “lazy French” (despite the stereotype, the French rank among the world’s most productive workers). Belgium, for example, cut its working week to 38 hours in 2003.
A report by national statistics agency Insee estimated that around 350,000 new jobs were created between 1998 and 2002 thanks to the 35-hour-week policy.“But the boom was followed by a bust, with very slow job creation over the ensuing years, so for the whole 10-year period, the net result was zero,” said Nicolas Bouzou, an economist at economic research firm Asteres.
Reforming the 35-hour law was one of Sarkozy’s main pledges during last year’s presidential campaign. Sarkozy says the measure was an economic mistake that did not create jobs as it was intended to do.
Lawmakers approved the new law in late July, and it came into force in mid-August, just in time for the mass return from vacation that the French refer to as “La Rentrée.”
Employers’ reluctance to make use of the law’s provisions means its economic impact is likely to be minimal, Bouzou said.
Bouzou estimated that the whole package of economic reforms instituted so far by Sarkozy, of which the 35-hour reform is part, would tack on an additional 0.3 percentage point to economic growth next year.
The reform “is probably badly timed,” agreed Laurence Boone, chief French economist at Barclays Capital. With the economy close to a recession, declining by 0.3 percent in the second quarter according to a provisional estimate, companies have little need for longer work weeks, Boone said.
Even businessmen who rail against the 35-hour workweek say they don’t plan to make use of the new law, at least for now.
The 35-hour week is “a very bad thing, it devalued work, it’s unhealthy and difficult,” said Gilles Lecointre, founder and chief executive of Intercessio, a 150-person economic consulting firm in Paris.
But Lecointre, who also teaches at French business school Essec and has written a book on small and medium-sized companies, says he has no intention of ditching his company’s 35-hour agreement.
“At Intercessio, the negotiations over the 35 hours for salaried employees were long and terrible. It destroyed relationships,” Lecointre said, “We’re not going to go back through that.”
Lecointre recalls a bitter exchange with an employee who was blocking a deal because of a dispute over a few extra minutes of work per day. The working time debate resembled “haggling over a carpet with a rug merchant,” Lecointre said.
Under the complicated legislation passed in 1998 and 1999, the legal work week was shortened from 39 to 35 hours, with no reduction in pay. Overtime was limited to 130 hours per year. White collar employees whose work schedules didn’t permit a strict application of a seven-hour day were given about two weeks worth of extra holiday, so that once averaged out over the year their work week was also 35 hours.
In practice, French workers average 41 hours of labor a week, according to recent figures from France’s statistics agency. That’s more than Germany or Britain — and not much less than the 41.7 hours worked in the United States in 2006. Read the complete article.
September 3, 2008
The Government of Canada Will Invest Over $3.5 million in Prince George, B.C. Transportation Infrastructure
(Transport Canada)
The federal government, under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, will invest a total of $3.5 million in two road projects in Prince George.
This represents a joint investment in excess of $7 million with the City of Prince George. Richard Harris, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages).
“Connecting North America and the Asia-Pacific more efficiently and reliably benefits local communities, the Canadian economy as well as Canada’s trading partners,” said Mr. Harris. “These projects will help relieve road congestion and make roads in our community safer.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to concrete measures that contribute to a more productive and competitive economy. The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative is an important example,” said the Honourable James Moore.
“These projects will enhance transportation infrastructure safety and efficiency related to the movement of international trade through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor.”
Improvements to two concurrent sections of River Road were selected for funding, following a call for proposals.
The projects involve:
• upgrading of 1.9 km between Cameron Street Bridge and Foley Crescent; and
• widening of 1.7 km between Foley Crescent and the CN Fraser River Bridge and installing left turn lanes to access the CN facility.
River Road is the primary road access to CN’s Intermodal facility in Prince George and improving traffic flow along this corridor is essential to the community and the businesses that use this route.
“The Government of Canada has made the economic growth and competitiveness of northern British Columbia with Asia top priorities,” said Minister Cannon. “The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative reflects the importance this government places in an integrated, safe, secure, and sustainable transportation system.”
On October 11, 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI), with an initial investment of $591 million. A further commitment of $410 million was made in Budget 2007, bringing total federal funding for the APGCI to more than $1 billion.
In two years, the Government of Canada has partnered with British Columbia and other western provinces, municipalities and the private sector, to announce strategic infrastructure projects worth more than $2.4 billion, including federal contributions of almost $900 million.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Federal funding for these projects is conditional upon the negotiation of contribution agreements, approval by the federal Treasury Board and completion of any applicable federal environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The federal government, under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, will invest a total of $3.5 million in two road projects in Prince George.
This represents a joint investment in excess of $7 million with the City of Prince George. Richard Harris, MP for Cariboo-Prince George, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable James Moore, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages).
“Connecting North America and the Asia-Pacific more efficiently and reliably benefits local communities, the Canadian economy as well as Canada’s trading partners,” said Mr. Harris. “These projects will help relieve road congestion and make roads in our community safer.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to concrete measures that contribute to a more productive and competitive economy. The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative is an important example,” said the Honourable James Moore.
“These projects will enhance transportation infrastructure safety and efficiency related to the movement of international trade through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor.”
Improvements to two concurrent sections of River Road were selected for funding, following a call for proposals.
The projects involve:
• upgrading of 1.9 km between Cameron Street Bridge and Foley Crescent; and
• widening of 1.7 km between Foley Crescent and the CN Fraser River Bridge and installing left turn lanes to access the CN facility.
River Road is the primary road access to CN’s Intermodal facility in Prince George and improving traffic flow along this corridor is essential to the community and the businesses that use this route.
“The Government of Canada has made the economic growth and competitiveness of northern British Columbia with Asia top priorities,” said Minister Cannon. “The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative reflects the importance this government places in an integrated, safe, secure, and sustainable transportation system.”
On October 11, 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI), with an initial investment of $591 million. A further commitment of $410 million was made in Budget 2007, bringing total federal funding for the APGCI to more than $1 billion.
In two years, the Government of Canada has partnered with British Columbia and other western provinces, municipalities and the private sector, to announce strategic infrastructure projects worth more than $2.4 billion, including federal contributions of almost $900 million.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building Canada plan, the Government of Canada will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada. Federal funding for these projects is conditional upon the negotiation of contribution agreements, approval by the federal Treasury Board and completion of any applicable federal environmental assessments required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Canadian Input for New U.S. Border Plan
(Embassy Magazine)
Jerry Grafstein and Rob Merrifield have been working with Louise Slaughter to devise a strategy for the next U.S. administration.
Democrats and Republicans are working together to draw up a new Canada-U.S. border management plan for the incoming American administration, and have asked Canadian politicians for their input after years of poor management following 9/11.
Work on a new border plan has begun at the request of the speaker of the U.S. Congress, California Democrat Nancy Pelosi.
The Canadian point men on the project are the co-chairs of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group: Conservative MP Rob Merrifield and Liberal Senator Jerry Grafstein.
The pair have spent much of the summer south of the border, attending the various legislative councils held each summer across the United States, in addition to the Democratic and Republican national conventions.
At those meetings they have continually pressed Canada’s role in a prosperous American economy, including the importance of a hassle-free border that facilitates trade, rather than hindering it. Messrs. Merrifield and Grafstein said the decision to have Canadian and American officials devise a new border plan took off after they met with Ms. Pelosi in Washington, D.C., in April. Mr. Grafstein said Ms. Pelosi “understood the Canadian issues” and got behind the idea of a new bipartisan plan for the border, developed in co-operation with Canadian politicians.
The plan will be presented to Ms. Pelosi, who is expected to pass it onto the new administration regardless of its political stripe. Ms. Pelosi has delegated the leadership of the project to Democratic New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, who has been working closely with Messrs. Merrifield and Grafstein.
At last week’s Democratic National Convention, Ms. Slaughter arranged a series of meetings with top Democrats on the issue for the visiting Canadians. “[Ms. Slaughter] and I have been charged by Nancy Pelosi to put together a group to deal with border issues, and I do think there is an opportunity to have a re-examination of how the border has thickened and to [find] an appropriate position moving forward,” Mr. Merrifield said from Denver last week. “On the Republican and Democratic sides both, there are some serious concerns.”
Mr. Grafstein said this is a rare and valuable opportunity to get Canadian perspectives into the new plan at the ground floor. “This is the first time we’ve actually had an opportunity to bilaterally deal with border issues, rather than one country doing something unilaterally,” he said.
“That’s very positive.” Messrs. Merrifield and Grafstein predicted that the plan will make an impression regardless of who wins the American presidency. “I believe there is an opportunity with the new administration, whether it’s McCain or Obama, and we’re working very hard to make sure that happens,” said Mr. Merrifield. “I believe cool heads will prevail with trade.
Americans are free traders by nature.” The border plan will be discussed further later this month is Washington, D.C., when Canadian and American legislators will convene for the annual meeting of the Canada-U.S.
Mr. Grafstein said he is also pushing for a visit by Ms. Slaughter and other American legislators to Ottawa in late October or early November to discuss the plan. Among the invitees to this northern get-together is former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. “I think [the border plan] will be a tremendous influence,” said Mr. Grafstein. “When the speaker of the House asks for a plan to be implemented by the new administration, you should take that very seriously. And we do.”
Change in the Air at DHS
Many Canada-U.S. watchers agree that the end of the Bush administration heralds in a new opportunity to reshape the organization blamed for many of the policies that have mucked up the border since 9/11: the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. George W. Bush created the DHS in November 2002, combining 22 government agencies into a single organization.
The organization now has over 200,000 employees, an annual operating budget of more than $44 billion, and works on trade, immigration, counterterrorism and many other files.
More than six years after its creation, though, many doubt its effectiveness and efficiency and see the departure of Mr. Bush as a chance to shake things up. “[The Department of] Homeland Security has been the cause of a lot of our problems,” said Mr. Grafstein. “And the good news is that both the Democrats and Republicans are unhappy with Homeland Security.” Mr. Grafstein added that two top-ranking members of Congress on the homeland security file—California Democrat Loretta Sanchez and Ohio Republican George Voinovich—both agree changes are necessary. “We’re trying to develop a bipartisan approach to reforming Homeland Security in such a way that it minimizes the impact on the border with Canada,” he said.
A Canadian diplomat who recently left a high-ranking post at the Canadian Embassy in Washington also smells change in the air. “It wouldn’t surprise me if there was some significant change to the DHS because there’s a sense, particularly in Congress, that it just isn’t working and that big is not necessarily more efficient,” he said. “The Democrats may well dismantle DHS and put something else in place.”
The diplomat added that the change in administration will see the departure of current Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “For one, you get rid of that awful current secretary of homeland security who is a real block for us,” the diplomat said. “I’m afraid with Mr. Chertoff, he’s just been intransigent. We’ve not been able to make any progress.”
Mr. Grafstein said he also welcomed the coming change of the homeland security secretary. “A key factor for us is who is going to be the next security advisor,” he said. “It’s very important the advisor is someone who is knowledgeable about Canada.”
He mentioned he had heard two names are short-listed on the Democratic side, but would not say whom. He did say, however: “One in particular would be good for us. The other doesn’t know a lot about Canada.”
Canadian Suggestions So Far
At the request of his American allies, Mr. Grafstein has drawn up a series of preliminary recommendations about what can be done to achieve a better-managed border. A letter, containing eight points, was prepared at the request of Republican Senator and former governor of Ohio George Voinovich on July 31 and later passed to Ms. Slaughter.
Mr. Grafstein’s recommendations touch on points that would ease the flow of both people and goods across the border, and apply to air travel, trucking regulations and infrastructure.
To address trucking snags, he recommends lower inspection rates for members of trusted-shipper programs, such as the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) system, and that an agreement be put in place so “that rail and truck cargo inspected, cleared and secured at a Canadian port should not be subject to further inspections at the U.S. border.”
On the air travel side, the senator recommends that the United States accept Canadian baggage screening as equivalent to U.S. standards so Canadian baggage being transferred in the U.S. does not have to be re-screened.
In addition, Mr. Grafstein requests U.S. authorities address the problem of understaffing at border crossings, with the assertion that major border crossings are lacking as much as 40 per cent of their required American staff.
He also asks for “continued U.S. priority attention” to the Detroit River International Crossing, where the Ambassador Bridge now connects Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario.
This bridge currently carries some 25 per cent of total Canadian-American trade. To cope with congestion, Mr. Grafstein encourages his American counterparts to proceed with the construction of a second bridge or tunnel.
Finally, Mr. Grafstein asks for continued co-operation in the run up to the June 1, 2009 full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which will require Canadian and U.S. citizens to use passports when crossing land and sea borders.
The American public, he writes, must be made aware of the need for passports so as to stop any further drop in tourist traffic, which “which has substantially reduced in the last five years because of delays and additional documentation.
Jerry Grafstein and Rob Merrifield have been working with Louise Slaughter to devise a strategy for the next U.S. administration.
Democrats and Republicans are working together to draw up a new Canada-U.S. border management plan for the incoming American administration, and have asked Canadian politicians for their input after years of poor management following 9/11.
Work on a new border plan has begun at the request of the speaker of the U.S. Congress, California Democrat Nancy Pelosi.
The Canadian point men on the project are the co-chairs of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group: Conservative MP Rob Merrifield and Liberal Senator Jerry Grafstein.
The pair have spent much of the summer south of the border, attending the various legislative councils held each summer across the United States, in addition to the Democratic and Republican national conventions.
At those meetings they have continually pressed Canada’s role in a prosperous American economy, including the importance of a hassle-free border that facilitates trade, rather than hindering it. Messrs. Merrifield and Grafstein said the decision to have Canadian and American officials devise a new border plan took off after they met with Ms. Pelosi in Washington, D.C., in April. Mr. Grafstein said Ms. Pelosi “understood the Canadian issues” and got behind the idea of a new bipartisan plan for the border, developed in co-operation with Canadian politicians.
The plan will be presented to Ms. Pelosi, who is expected to pass it onto the new administration regardless of its political stripe. Ms. Pelosi has delegated the leadership of the project to Democratic New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, who has been working closely with Messrs. Merrifield and Grafstein.
At last week’s Democratic National Convention, Ms. Slaughter arranged a series of meetings with top Democrats on the issue for the visiting Canadians. “[Ms. Slaughter] and I have been charged by Nancy Pelosi to put together a group to deal with border issues, and I do think there is an opportunity to have a re-examination of how the border has thickened and to [find] an appropriate position moving forward,” Mr. Merrifield said from Denver last week. “On the Republican and Democratic sides both, there are some serious concerns.”
Mr. Grafstein said this is a rare and valuable opportunity to get Canadian perspectives into the new plan at the ground floor. “This is the first time we’ve actually had an opportunity to bilaterally deal with border issues, rather than one country doing something unilaterally,” he said.
“That’s very positive.” Messrs. Merrifield and Grafstein predicted that the plan will make an impression regardless of who wins the American presidency. “I believe there is an opportunity with the new administration, whether it’s McCain or Obama, and we’re working very hard to make sure that happens,” said Mr. Merrifield. “I believe cool heads will prevail with trade.
Americans are free traders by nature.” The border plan will be discussed further later this month is Washington, D.C., when Canadian and American legislators will convene for the annual meeting of the Canada-U.S.
Mr. Grafstein said he is also pushing for a visit by Ms. Slaughter and other American legislators to Ottawa in late October or early November to discuss the plan. Among the invitees to this northern get-together is former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. “I think [the border plan] will be a tremendous influence,” said Mr. Grafstein. “When the speaker of the House asks for a plan to be implemented by the new administration, you should take that very seriously. And we do.”
Change in the Air at DHS
Many Canada-U.S. watchers agree that the end of the Bush administration heralds in a new opportunity to reshape the organization blamed for many of the policies that have mucked up the border since 9/11: the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security. George W. Bush created the DHS in November 2002, combining 22 government agencies into a single organization.
The organization now has over 200,000 employees, an annual operating budget of more than $44 billion, and works on trade, immigration, counterterrorism and many other files.
More than six years after its creation, though, many doubt its effectiveness and efficiency and see the departure of Mr. Bush as a chance to shake things up. “[The Department of] Homeland Security has been the cause of a lot of our problems,” said Mr. Grafstein. “And the good news is that both the Democrats and Republicans are unhappy with Homeland Security.” Mr. Grafstein added that two top-ranking members of Congress on the homeland security file—California Democrat Loretta Sanchez and Ohio Republican George Voinovich—both agree changes are necessary. “We’re trying to develop a bipartisan approach to reforming Homeland Security in such a way that it minimizes the impact on the border with Canada,” he said.
A Canadian diplomat who recently left a high-ranking post at the Canadian Embassy in Washington also smells change in the air. “It wouldn’t surprise me if there was some significant change to the DHS because there’s a sense, particularly in Congress, that it just isn’t working and that big is not necessarily more efficient,” he said. “The Democrats may well dismantle DHS and put something else in place.”
The diplomat added that the change in administration will see the departure of current Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “For one, you get rid of that awful current secretary of homeland security who is a real block for us,” the diplomat said. “I’m afraid with Mr. Chertoff, he’s just been intransigent. We’ve not been able to make any progress.”
Mr. Grafstein said he also welcomed the coming change of the homeland security secretary. “A key factor for us is who is going to be the next security advisor,” he said. “It’s very important the advisor is someone who is knowledgeable about Canada.”
He mentioned he had heard two names are short-listed on the Democratic side, but would not say whom. He did say, however: “One in particular would be good for us. The other doesn’t know a lot about Canada.”
Canadian Suggestions So Far
At the request of his American allies, Mr. Grafstein has drawn up a series of preliminary recommendations about what can be done to achieve a better-managed border. A letter, containing eight points, was prepared at the request of Republican Senator and former governor of Ohio George Voinovich on July 31 and later passed to Ms. Slaughter.
Mr. Grafstein’s recommendations touch on points that would ease the flow of both people and goods across the border, and apply to air travel, trucking regulations and infrastructure.
To address trucking snags, he recommends lower inspection rates for members of trusted-shipper programs, such as the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) system, and that an agreement be put in place so “that rail and truck cargo inspected, cleared and secured at a Canadian port should not be subject to further inspections at the U.S. border.”
On the air travel side, the senator recommends that the United States accept Canadian baggage screening as equivalent to U.S. standards so Canadian baggage being transferred in the U.S. does not have to be re-screened.
In addition, Mr. Grafstein requests U.S. authorities address the problem of understaffing at border crossings, with the assertion that major border crossings are lacking as much as 40 per cent of their required American staff.
He also asks for “continued U.S. priority attention” to the Detroit River International Crossing, where the Ambassador Bridge now connects Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario.
This bridge currently carries some 25 per cent of total Canadian-American trade. To cope with congestion, Mr. Grafstein encourages his American counterparts to proceed with the construction of a second bridge or tunnel.
Finally, Mr. Grafstein asks for continued co-operation in the run up to the June 1, 2009 full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which will require Canadian and U.S. citizens to use passports when crossing land and sea borders.
The American public, he writes, must be made aware of the need for passports so as to stop any further drop in tourist traffic, which “which has substantially reduced in the last five years because of delays and additional documentation.
C$ Rises as Bank of Canada Leaves Rates Unchanged, Notes Domestic Demand Strong
(The Canadian Press)
The Canadian dollar moved higher Wednesday after the Bank of Canada decided to leave its key rate unchanged at three per cent, noting that “overall, the level of economic activity is slightly lower than expected in July but still close to the economy’s production capacity.”
The currency was up 0.15 cent after the announcement to 93.73 cents US as the bank said that “domestic demand has slowed modestly but remains strong.” “It continues to be supported by financial conditions that remain significantly better than those in most other major economies and by income gains stemming from past improvements in the terms of trade.”
Meanwhile, another day of retreating oil prices is expected to drive the Toronto stock market lower while New York indexes are also likely in for a negative opening on more jitters in the financial sector and geneal worries about the overall economy. Find out more.
The Canadian dollar moved higher Wednesday after the Bank of Canada decided to leave its key rate unchanged at three per cent, noting that “overall, the level of economic activity is slightly lower than expected in July but still close to the economy’s production capacity.”
The currency was up 0.15 cent after the announcement to 93.73 cents US as the bank said that “domestic demand has slowed modestly but remains strong.” “It continues to be supported by financial conditions that remain significantly better than those in most other major economies and by income gains stemming from past improvements in the terms of trade.”
Meanwhile, another day of retreating oil prices is expected to drive the Toronto stock market lower while New York indexes are also likely in for a negative opening on more jitters in the financial sector and geneal worries about the overall economy. Find out more.
Surface Trade Between NAFTA Partners Continues Climb
(Canadian Transportation and Logistics)
Trade using surface transportation between Canada and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners the United States and Mexico was 6.6% higher in June 2008 than in June 2007, reaching $74.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation.
The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 0.015% in June from May. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors, BTS officials said. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.
The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico this June was up 56.3% compared to June 2003, and up 97.3% compared to June 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in June 2008 were up 106.4% compared to June 1998, while exports were up 86.8%. Canada-US surface transportation trade totalled $48.9 billion in June, up 8.7% compared to June 2007.
The value of imports carried by truck was 1.4% lower in June 2008 than June 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 8.2% higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in June with $6.5 billion.
Trade using surface transportation between Canada and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners the United States and Mexico was 6.6% higher in June 2008 than in June 2007, reaching $74.1 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation.
The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 0.015% in June from May. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors, BTS officials said. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.
The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico this June was up 56.3% compared to June 2003, and up 97.3% compared to June 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in June 2008 were up 106.4% compared to June 1998, while exports were up 86.8%. Canada-US surface transportation trade totalled $48.9 billion in June, up 8.7% compared to June 2007.
The value of imports carried by truck was 1.4% lower in June 2008 than June 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 8.2% higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in June with $6.5 billion.
Dion Announces Green Shift Changes
(The Canadian Press)
Adjustments to carbon tax proposal would include up to $1 billion in aid for truckers and other groups.
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion has fined-tuned his party’s main election plank, which he says will “reconcile the economy with the environment.”
Speaking to his caucus on Wednesday, Mr. Dion said a Liberal government would set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to help groups likely to be hard hit by his proposed new fossil fuel taxes.
The sweeteners include $400-million in emission-reduction credits for farmers and forestry workers under the proposed Green Shift and a $250-million “green farms fund” to support environmentally friendly research aimed at cutting fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Another $250-million fund would help fishermen and truckers go green.
Countering dire economic warnings from the Conservatives and concerns within his own ranks, Mr. Dion called his plan a “progressive, ambitious and generous project for a richer, fairer, greener Canada.”
“Canadians need a government that will be guided by science and fact, not narrow-minded ideology,” Mr. Dion said in what was likely his last major speech before a general election call.
“Canadians want to do the right thing for their wallet and for the environment.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to ask the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament and call a general election by week’s end.
Mr. Harper’s Conservatives have been targeting Mr. Dion’s green plan in television and radio ads, saying it will kill jobs and drive up the cost of living.
In Windsor, Ont., Mr. Harper said shortly before Mr. Dion spoke that changing the tax structure is folly in the face of economic hard times.
“I think it’s a crazy time for the country to take risks,” the Prime Minister said.
“I think when at the middle of a slowdown an opposition leader is proposing new taxes and tells the Canadian people after several months that he’s still changing it on the back of envelopes after meetings, I think people’s alarm bells should be up.”
Mr. Dion has argued the Tory plan to regulate emissions will also increase costs to consumers, but without the offsetting tax cuts to help people adjust — a plan he’s referred to as “all the pain, no gain.”
Mr. Dion said a typical family of four earning $40,000 a year would save $1,900 in taxes in the fourth year of his Green Shift.
Adjustments to carbon tax proposal would include up to $1 billion in aid for truckers and other groups.
Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion has fined-tuned his party’s main election plank, which he says will “reconcile the economy with the environment.”
Speaking to his caucus on Wednesday, Mr. Dion said a Liberal government would set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to help groups likely to be hard hit by his proposed new fossil fuel taxes.
The sweeteners include $400-million in emission-reduction credits for farmers and forestry workers under the proposed Green Shift and a $250-million “green farms fund” to support environmentally friendly research aimed at cutting fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Another $250-million fund would help fishermen and truckers go green.
Countering dire economic warnings from the Conservatives and concerns within his own ranks, Mr. Dion called his plan a “progressive, ambitious and generous project for a richer, fairer, greener Canada.”
“Canadians need a government that will be guided by science and fact, not narrow-minded ideology,” Mr. Dion said in what was likely his last major speech before a general election call.
“Canadians want to do the right thing for their wallet and for the environment.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to ask the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament and call a general election by week’s end.
Mr. Harper’s Conservatives have been targeting Mr. Dion’s green plan in television and radio ads, saying it will kill jobs and drive up the cost of living.
In Windsor, Ont., Mr. Harper said shortly before Mr. Dion spoke that changing the tax structure is folly in the face of economic hard times.
“I think it’s a crazy time for the country to take risks,” the Prime Minister said.
“I think when at the middle of a slowdown an opposition leader is proposing new taxes and tells the Canadian people after several months that he’s still changing it on the back of envelopes after meetings, I think people’s alarm bells should be up.”
Mr. Dion has argued the Tory plan to regulate emissions will also increase costs to consumers, but without the offsetting tax cuts to help people adjust — a plan he’s referred to as “all the pain, no gain.”
Mr. Dion said a typical family of four earning $40,000 a year would save $1,900 in taxes in the fourth year of his Green Shift.
Republican Platform Outlines Priorities on Trade
(World Trade Interactive)
The Republican Party has made available a draft of the campaign platform it is expected to adopt at this week’s nominating convention. This document includes a number of trade and transportation related provisions, including the following.
Trade Policy
“Greater international trade, aggressively advanced on a truly level playing field, will mean more American jobs, higher wages, and a better standard of living. It is also a matter of national security and an instrument to promote democracy and civil society in developing nations....
“An aggressive trade strategy is especially important with regard to agriculture. Our farm economy produces for the world; its prosperity depends, more than ever before, on open markets. U.S. agricultural exports will top $100 billion this year. We will contest any restrictions upon our farm products within the World Trade Organization and will work to make the WTO’s decision-making process more receptive to the arguments of American producers.”
Western Hemisphere:
“Our relations with our immediate neighbors, Canada and Mexico, are grounded on our shared values and common purpose, as well as our steadily increasing trade. We pledge to continue this close association and to advance mutually beneficial trade agreements throughout Latin America, promoting economic development and social stability there while opening markets to our goods and services. Our strong ties with Canada and Mexico should not lead to a North American union or a unified currency....”
Transportation Infrastructure:
“We support a level of investment in the nation’s transportation system that will promote a healthy economy, sustain jobs, and keep America globally competitive....”
Find out more here.
The Republican Party has made available a draft of the campaign platform it is expected to adopt at this week’s nominating convention. This document includes a number of trade and transportation related provisions, including the following.
Trade Policy
“Greater international trade, aggressively advanced on a truly level playing field, will mean more American jobs, higher wages, and a better standard of living. It is also a matter of national security and an instrument to promote democracy and civil society in developing nations....
“An aggressive trade strategy is especially important with regard to agriculture. Our farm economy produces for the world; its prosperity depends, more than ever before, on open markets. U.S. agricultural exports will top $100 billion this year. We will contest any restrictions upon our farm products within the World Trade Organization and will work to make the WTO’s decision-making process more receptive to the arguments of American producers.”
Western Hemisphere:
“Our relations with our immediate neighbors, Canada and Mexico, are grounded on our shared values and common purpose, as well as our steadily increasing trade. We pledge to continue this close association and to advance mutually beneficial trade agreements throughout Latin America, promoting economic development and social stability there while opening markets to our goods and services. Our strong ties with Canada and Mexico should not lead to a North American union or a unified currency....”
Transportation Infrastructure:
“We support a level of investment in the nation’s transportation system that will promote a healthy economy, sustain jobs, and keep America globally competitive....”
Find out more here.
Harper to Aid Ontario’s Ailing Auto Sector
(Globe & Mail)
The Harper government will move to shore up its economic credentials in hard-hit and vote-rich Ontario today by doling out cash to key Detroit auto makers just days before an expected election call.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will announce in Windsor, Ont., that his government will offer financial support to Ford Motor Co. of Canada for an engine plant in that city. He is expected to follow that up within days with money for a General Motors of Canada Ltd. transmission plant in St. Catharines, Ont., auto industry and government sources said yesterday. Sources said the government is also preparing announcements for other sectors.
Industry Minister Jim Prentice will join Mr. Harper in Windsor at Ford's Essex engine plant. The combined amount for the two companies could be as high as $200-million, sources familiar with the Ford and GM proposals said yesterday.
The money is expected to come from a five-year, $250-million fund announced this year for green initiatives. The government has not provided funds to any specific company since it was elected in 2006. Read the complete article.
Update: More on the announcement here.
The Harper government will move to shore up its economic credentials in hard-hit and vote-rich Ontario today by doling out cash to key Detroit auto makers just days before an expected election call.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will announce in Windsor, Ont., that his government will offer financial support to Ford Motor Co. of Canada for an engine plant in that city. He is expected to follow that up within days with money for a General Motors of Canada Ltd. transmission plant in St. Catharines, Ont., auto industry and government sources said yesterday. Sources said the government is also preparing announcements for other sectors.
Industry Minister Jim Prentice will join Mr. Harper in Windsor at Ford's Essex engine plant. The combined amount for the two companies could be as high as $200-million, sources familiar with the Ford and GM proposals said yesterday.
The money is expected to come from a five-year, $250-million fund announced this year for green initiatives. The government has not provided funds to any specific company since it was elected in 2006. Read the complete article.
Update: More on the announcement here.
Canada’s Economy Will Slow to a Crawl: OECD
(CBC News)
The OECD has chopped its outlook for Canada for 2008 and now predicts the national economy will expand at the second slowest pace in the industrialized world.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said Tuesday Canada’s economy will expand by only 0.8 per cent for the year, down from its previous prediction for annual growth of 1.2 per cent.
Only Italy, which the international organization forecasts to grow by a feeble 0.5 per cent, would perform worse than Canada among the G7 economies if the prediction holds. Read more.
The OECD has chopped its outlook for Canada for 2008 and now predicts the national economy will expand at the second slowest pace in the industrialized world.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said Tuesday Canada’s economy will expand by only 0.8 per cent for the year, down from its previous prediction for annual growth of 1.2 per cent.
Only Italy, which the international organization forecasts to grow by a feeble 0.5 per cent, would perform worse than Canada among the G7 economies if the prediction holds. Read more.
September 2, 2008
Parliamentary Observers Lobby American Democrats on North American Trade
(The Hill Times)
Canadian Parliamentarians in Denver last week tried to seek assurances that Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama isn't singling out Canada as he vows to wean the U.S. off foreign oil and protect domestic jobs.
The Democratic National Convention was a chance for the party to tout its messages of energy independence and renewing the livelihoods of middle-income workers, leaving Canadian politicians guessing as to whether it was all made for primetime or if more concrete policy positions are on their way—provided that the Democrats win the White House.
As the U.S.'s largest supplier of oil and its biggest free trade partner, Canada is a prime target for Sen. Obama's campaign against high gas prices and outsourced jobs, about which the Liberal Party, for one, expressed concern. "They're very protectionist on trade. They're very aggressive on energy policy and much more open about climate change and global warming than what we've seen before. I've been impressed by some things, but the protectionism thing is a challenge for us because the rhetoric is all about exporting jobs to China, and then they talk about bad trade deals. Well, generally they mean NAFTA. That's a tough issue for us," Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Ont.), who last week attended his fourth Democratic convention, said in an interview.
…Liberal Senator Jerry Grafstein, who was visiting Denver as co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, said he is also concerned that Canada, though it was never blamed directly for the U.S.'s economic woes during the convention, could suffer if American lawmakers try to solve job losses by dismantling current trade arrangements. "We heard a lot of bold statements that aren't directly about Canada, but that could cause collateral damage for Canada," Sen. Grafstein said in an interview.
The best way to protect Canada, said Sen. Grafstein, is to develop connections to the Democratic Party regardless of who ends up in the White House next January. "Congress is not about policy, it's about people pushing policy. So we're here to talk to people," said Mr. Grafstein. He added that, as of last Thursday, between himself and the group's other co-chair, Conservative MP Rob Merrifield (Yellowhead, Alta.), they spoke to about 30 U.S. congress members and Senators during their stay in Denver, discussing energy, trade and border issues. Mr. Merrifield said that his government fully supports NAFTA and that even if Canada were forced to renegotiate NAFTA at the behest of the U.S., it would still come in Canada's favour. "Are we nervous about it? I would be lying if I said we weren't watching it carefully. Read the complete article.
Canadian Parliamentarians in Denver last week tried to seek assurances that Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama isn't singling out Canada as he vows to wean the U.S. off foreign oil and protect domestic jobs.
The Democratic National Convention was a chance for the party to tout its messages of energy independence and renewing the livelihoods of middle-income workers, leaving Canadian politicians guessing as to whether it was all made for primetime or if more concrete policy positions are on their way—provided that the Democrats win the White House.
As the U.S.'s largest supplier of oil and its biggest free trade partner, Canada is a prime target for Sen. Obama's campaign against high gas prices and outsourced jobs, about which the Liberal Party, for one, expressed concern. "They're very protectionist on trade. They're very aggressive on energy policy and much more open about climate change and global warming than what we've seen before. I've been impressed by some things, but the protectionism thing is a challenge for us because the rhetoric is all about exporting jobs to China, and then they talk about bad trade deals. Well, generally they mean NAFTA. That's a tough issue for us," Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Ont.), who last week attended his fourth Democratic convention, said in an interview.
…Liberal Senator Jerry Grafstein, who was visiting Denver as co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, said he is also concerned that Canada, though it was never blamed directly for the U.S.'s economic woes during the convention, could suffer if American lawmakers try to solve job losses by dismantling current trade arrangements. "We heard a lot of bold statements that aren't directly about Canada, but that could cause collateral damage for Canada," Sen. Grafstein said in an interview.
The best way to protect Canada, said Sen. Grafstein, is to develop connections to the Democratic Party regardless of who ends up in the White House next January. "Congress is not about policy, it's about people pushing policy. So we're here to talk to people," said Mr. Grafstein. He added that, as of last Thursday, between himself and the group's other co-chair, Conservative MP Rob Merrifield (Yellowhead, Alta.), they spoke to about 30 U.S. congress members and Senators during their stay in Denver, discussing energy, trade and border issues. Mr. Merrifield said that his government fully supports NAFTA and that even if Canada were forced to renegotiate NAFTA at the behest of the U.S., it would still come in Canada's favour. "Are we nervous about it? I would be lying if I said we weren't watching it carefully. Read the complete article.
Border Crossing Prospects Just Got Easier on the U.S. Side
(Denise Jewell Gee — Buffalo News)
Buffalo Niagara residents will no longer have to drive to Canada to apply for Nexus passes that allow prescreened residents to quickly cross the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency opened a new Nexus enrollment center today at the foot of the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge in Niagara Falls.
Travelers applying for the prescreened fast pass previously had to go to an office in Fort Erie, Ont., to complete the interview portion of the application process.
“It’s in our backyard,” said Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, one of about a dozen elected officials and border personnel on site to celebrate the opening of the enrollment center. “There’s no longer any excuse for those on our side to not enroll.”
The facility is owned by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and is leased by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It took about nine months, and $180,000, to convert a former truck bay warehouse into an office where enrollment interviews can take place.
Nexus pass holders can drive through dedicated lanes on the Peace and Rainbow bridges. The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is used solely by Nexus card holders and is the only bridge dedicated to the Nexus pass along the U.S.-Canadian border.
About 38,000 people have applied for and received Nexus passes in Western New York and southern Ontario, but only about 300 people use the Nexus-only Whirlpool Rapids Bridge each day, Chief CBP Officer Kevin A. Corsaro said.
“We do not experience any wait times at the Whirlpool Bridge,” said James T. Engleman, director of field operations for Customs and Border Protection’s Buffalo Field Office. “I’ve got to tell you, it’s like having a private crossing coming into either the United States or Canada at this bridge.”
Officials are encouraging more residents to apply for the Nexus cards as a June 1, 2009, deadline to implement new border-crossing regulations approaches. Nexus cards will be one of five types of identification that will be accepted to enter the United States from Canada under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Passports, passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses and Fast cards will also be accepted.
“We know that this program hinges on all the eligible citizens around here applying and receiving these cards,” Slaughter said. “We’ve got to engage in a robust outreach effort to educate people on the benefits of the cards.”
The new Nexus enrollment center, at 615 Mill St., Niagara Falls, will be open by appointment from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Travelers can make an appointment for the Nexus program online at www.nexus.gov or by calling 1-866-639-8726.
Buffalo Niagara residents will no longer have to drive to Canada to apply for Nexus passes that allow prescreened residents to quickly cross the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency opened a new Nexus enrollment center today at the foot of the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge in Niagara Falls.
Travelers applying for the prescreened fast pass previously had to go to an office in Fort Erie, Ont., to complete the interview portion of the application process.
“It’s in our backyard,” said Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, one of about a dozen elected officials and border personnel on site to celebrate the opening of the enrollment center. “There’s no longer any excuse for those on our side to not enroll.”
The facility is owned by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and is leased by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It took about nine months, and $180,000, to convert a former truck bay warehouse into an office where enrollment interviews can take place.
Nexus pass holders can drive through dedicated lanes on the Peace and Rainbow bridges. The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is used solely by Nexus card holders and is the only bridge dedicated to the Nexus pass along the U.S.-Canadian border.
About 38,000 people have applied for and received Nexus passes in Western New York and southern Ontario, but only about 300 people use the Nexus-only Whirlpool Rapids Bridge each day, Chief CBP Officer Kevin A. Corsaro said.
“We do not experience any wait times at the Whirlpool Bridge,” said James T. Engleman, director of field operations for Customs and Border Protection’s Buffalo Field Office. “I’ve got to tell you, it’s like having a private crossing coming into either the United States or Canada at this bridge.”
Officials are encouraging more residents to apply for the Nexus cards as a June 1, 2009, deadline to implement new border-crossing regulations approaches. Nexus cards will be one of five types of identification that will be accepted to enter the United States from Canada under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Passports, passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses and Fast cards will also be accepted.
“We know that this program hinges on all the eligible citizens around here applying and receiving these cards,” Slaughter said. “We’ve got to engage in a robust outreach effort to educate people on the benefits of the cards.”
The new Nexus enrollment center, at 615 Mill St., Niagara Falls, will be open by appointment from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Travelers can make an appointment for the Nexus program online at www.nexus.gov or by calling 1-866-639-8726.
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