Businesses impacted by Canadian regulations in their ability to take part in cross-border commerce are encouraged to share their concerns in a joint initiative launched last year by Canada and the United States.
Part of the initiative calls for the development of joint action plans on perimeter security, economic competitiveness and regulatory cooperation.
Toward that effort both nations are initiating joint consultations with stakeholders on ways to improve the application of the rules on temporary access for business travelers.
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, supported by the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, is encouraging its members to take part in the process, which ends June 13.
Bob Anderson said he knows of several local issues that inhibit cross-border business and encouraged local businesses to contact the local chamber about them. Anderson serves as the chairman of the Falls chamber board and a member of the state chamber board.
“We welcome calls to the local chamber and will be happy to carry that message forward,” said Anderson.
“It is our goal to encourage companies with an interest in this issue to contribute to the on-line consultation process,” Kathi Schaff, director of partnerships & business development with the Minnesota Chamber, wrote to members. “It is important for businesses not to miss this opportunity, as it is unclear when or how these issues may be addressed in the future.”
The on-line consultations will be conducted through the Department of Homeland Security website at the following address: http://www.dhs.gov/files/publications/beyond-the-border.shtm (DHS).
Faye Whitbeck, president of the Falls chamber, said she’s glad the issues are being considered by the two nations and the Minnesota Chamber is involved.
“This particular initiative is more related to business when there is a work issue, but every border issue is a problem,” she said. “This group may continue to be voicing concerns about other border issues.”
Anderson said the International Bridge between Fort Frances and International Falls serves as an economic driver in the two communities.
“It does add to the economic well-being of our communities having that International Bridge,” he said. “Certainly, trade issues get in the way of commerce between the two countries and then there are issues such as the (prohibition of crossing by many people convicted of drinking and driving charges and other minor offenses) that hamper the better economic and social well-being of the two communities and countries.”
In March, Canada began allowing — at the discretion of border officers — a one-time, free temporary resident permit to enter Canada to people convicted of one misdemeanor charge. The permits cost $200.
Anderson said the more the two countries can standardize regulations, the better it will be for the two communities. In the United States, many drinking and driving convictions are considered misdemeanors, while in Canada they are considered felony offenses.
Anderson said he’s discussed border issues with local businesses, some of which have difficulties delivering goods in Canada because of the regulations of that country. The potential, one-time free pass doesn’t help, Anderson said.
“There are contractors that are moving goods into Canada and if a DUI is an issue, they are not able to do that so they need to find a contractor that fits the regulation now,” he said. “Businesses are affected beyond trade issues.”
On Monday, Anderson attended a corridor management system planning meeting, which aims to make U.S. Highway 53 a key corridor for trade between the U.S. and Canada.
Anderson encouraged local businesses to make their concerns known through the two nation’s consultations.
“This is the first opportunity to get information to this independent third-party that will summarize these issues faced at the border and that is certainly a good step,” said Anderson.
The Falls chamber has been working with its counterpart in Fort Frances on the issues that affect border crossing. “We certainly hope that we can add our voice and help to bring about changes in the regulations that would affect the economic well being of this area,” said Anderson.
Some U.S. and Canadian business people have been voicing their dissatisfaction with the ability to cross the border for work purposes for many years, wrote Schaff.
“From inconsistent treatment to inadequate access, these problems have impacted the ability of Canadians and American partners to conduct business across the border and therefore negatively impact North American prosperity,” she wrote. “While individual complaints have been heard, this is the first opportunity to have an independent third-party collect and summarize the issues being faced at the border. This consultation is a unique chance to have these challenges heard and potentially addressed directly by both governments.”
The effort began last year when Canada’s prime Minister and the U.S. president issued a declaration on a Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. The action plans provide a road map for enhancing security while speeding up legitimate trade and travel across the Canada-U.S. border. The full text of the action plans is available at: www.actionplan.gc.ca/border .
