FAIT Committee Report

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendation 1:

That, when considering options to improve security and trade facilitation at the Canada-United States border, the Government of Canada remedy border concerns already in evidence before September 11. Ultimately, the goal should be to modernize border management to accommodate future security and trade needs.

Recommendation 2:

That the Government of Canada, following consultation with U.S. authorities, outline to Canadians its plans for co-operating with its North American partners to improve continental security.

Recommendation 3:

That the Government of Canada seek the commitment of the United States for a high-level "summit" of senior American and Canadian political leaders and officials to discuss border management issues. On the basis of these meetings, Canada and the United States should jointly undertake to develop and make public a revitalized bilateral border management plan that would render more efficient the cross-border flow of goods and services.

Recommendation 4:

That the Government of Canada examine the feasibility of constructing pre-clearance facilities for commercial traffic in the vicinity of heavily congested border-crossing points. As a necessary precursor to the development of these facilities for land crossings, legislation enabling pre-clearance at land borders should be introduced.

Recommendation 5:

That, following successful consultation with authorities in the United States and taking into account security considerations, the Government of Canada reactivate as soon as possible those programs (e.g., CSA, NEXUS, CANPASS) designed to improve border risk management and ease congestion. The NEXUS project should be expanded to all Canada-U.S. border crossings by the early part of 2002.

Recommendation 6:

That, in its upcoming December budget, the Government of Canada provide the additional resources necessary for customs and immigration officials active in security and border management, and for the necessary physical improvements to border operations.

Recommendation 7:

That the Government of Canada test and implement, where feasible, advanced technologies in its border processing operations. Concerns surrounding Canadians' privacy should be respected in formulating these plans.

Recommendation 8:

That the Government of Canada work with its U.S. counterparts to resolve the issues delaying the development of joint border facilities and to accelerate plans for their development in locations in which such implementation is cost-effective.

Recommendation 9:

That, in light of the evidence received, the Government of Canada assess the effectiveness of its internal mechanisms to coordinate the border management and security policies of Canada and take appropriate remedial action.