U.S./Canadian Chambers urge for reduced border crossing costs

OTTAWA, Feb. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - A coalition, co-chaired by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in close collaboration with members and partnering associations, is releasing a report that includes recommendations to both the U.S. and Canadian governments to reduce the costs of border crossings and to strengthen national security. While some good progress has been made by our governments, the report,
Finding the Balance: Reducing Border Costs While Strengthening Border Security, calls for short-term measures to eliminate duplicative and burdensome border requirements and facilitate the movement of legitimate passenger and cargo traffic. A number of the recommendations in the report are aimed at increasing enrollment in trusted shipper and traveler programs which will reduce the costs and time associated with moving people and goods between the two nations. The more participants in these programs, the more border officials can focus on identifying illegitimate cargo and travelers - the aim of all the security measures.