SEATTLE , Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A group of U.S. State Legislators, including Texas State Senator Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso , recently learned first-hand how the Canada-U.S. Border works. As participants on the Canada Border Security Tour, organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle , legislators toured security facilities and took part in comprehensive briefings from the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Citizenship and Immigration Canada , the Port of Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport.
"This was an intense two-and-a-half day visit with Canadian officials, learning border security measures initiated for all travelers by land, sea and air across the border," added Idaho Representative George Eskridge . "I learned that their security measures are every bit as stringent as in the U.S., and they are using the latest in technology to keep the 'bad guys and bad stuff' from getting across the border. I was also impressed and pleased with the great amount of cooperation between Canada and U.S. Border officials in securing the U.S.-Canada Border."
" Canada recognizes and shares the U.S. commitment to a secure border. We continue to contribute to addressing mutual threats and enhancing North American security," said Consul General Peter Lloyd . "That's what this tour is all about-giving U.S. elected officials an opportunity to see for themselves how we are working together to ensure that our shared border is closed to mutual threats, but open to legitimate goods and travelers."
More than 20 state representatives and government leaders from throughout
the United States , including a delegation from the National Conference of
State Legislators, participated in the three-day tour which highlighted border
security for land, air, rail and marine crossings. Participants learned how
Canada's investments in North American security, totaling more than
"Secure, smart, fast movement of people and products will define 21st-century trade," said Senator Eliot Shapleigh , Texas, District 29. "Here in British Columbia and Washington State, cooperation and cutting-edge technology are some of the best anywhere."
Examples of Canada's action to secure the border since 2001 include: -- Committing to arm Canadian border services officers and the addition of 400 new officers to increase safety by eliminating "work alone" border posts; -- Stationing Canada Border Services Agency officers around the world to stop improperly documented travelers before they embark on flights to North America; and -- Expanding innovative Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETs), made up of law enforcement personnel from both sides of the border who share information and work together daily to identify, investigate and interdict persons and organizations threatening national security or engaging in organized criminal activity."Our mutual security and our joint prosperity depend on getting the border right," added Lloyd. "Our economies are so intertwined that neither country could afford a border characterized by needless and costly delays."
The Consulate General of Canada in Dallas represents Canada in the
five-state area of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas-a region
that represents over to
The 2007 Canada-U.S. Border Tour included, among others, the following legislators and government representatives:
Senator Ray Aguilar, Nebraska Representative Donna Boe, Idaho Representative Judy Clibborn, Washington Assemblyman Moises Denis, Nevada Representative George Eskridge, Idaho Sylvia Shamim Khan, Deputy Director of Licensing, California Department of Motor Vehicles John Madden, Director, Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Alaska, Representative Joseph Miro, Delaware Senator Mee Moua, Minnesota Joe Panesko Assistant Attorney General, Washington Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Washington Senator Eliot Shapleigh, Texas, Representative Mary Lou Shepherd, IdahoFOR BROADCAST USE
U.S. State Legislators got a first-hand look at the Canada-U.S. border as part of a three-day tour on border security organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Seattle .
More than twenty-six state representatives and government leaders participated in the three-day tour in the Vancouver , B.C., region which highlighted how Canada's multi-billion dollar investments in air, land, marine and rail security initiatives are helping create a safe, secure and efficient border.
"Secure, smart, fast movement of people and products will define 21st century trade," said Texas State Senator Eliot Shapleigh . "Here in BC and Washington State, cooperation and cutting edge technology are some of the best anywhere."
Canadian representatives from the Canada Border Services Agency, the RCMP and a number of federal security and safety departments outlined the measures Canada has taken since 9/11 to improve security and information-sharing efforts.
SOURCE Consulate General of Canada
