Beyond the Border Action Plan: Implementing a Shared Canada – U.S.

Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness

Alan Langford – Customs and Border Protection

November 15, 2012

The Beyond the Border Action Plan identifies four key areas of cooperation:

1) Addressing Threats Early

2) Trade Facilitation, Economic Growth, and Jobs

3) Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement

4) Critical Infrastructure and Cyber-Security

(1) Addressing Threats Early:

Moving to a “perimeter” focus with shared responsibility involves:

• verifying traveler identity by conducting screening at the earliest opportunity

• Targeting cargo for risk before it reaches our shores.

• supporting emergency management in response to bi-national disasters

• working together to address health security threats

• understanding the flow of people across our borders through Entry/Exit

(2) Trade Facilitation, Economic Growth, and Jobs:

Enhancing “economic competitiveness” involves:

• offering facilitative benefits in return for advance information

• reducing compliance burdens, particularly for small and medium sized companies

• improving, aligning and expanding programs for low-risk traders

• enhancing trusted traveller programs such as NEXUS

• modernizing and better managing our border processes through infrastructure, preclearance and port management (i.e. ready lanes)

• maturing our business class visas and ensuring continuity of application through guidance and training.

(3) Integrated Cross-Border Law Enforcement:

Addressing shared security threats involves:

• commitment to share law enforcement and security related information

• deploying Shiprider

• developing Next Generation pilot projects

• implementing radio interoperability solutions

• developing a common situational awareness of the border

(4) Critical Infrastructure and Cyber-Security:

Enhancing the safety, security, and resiliency of cyber and critical infrastructure involves:

• preventing, responding to, and recovering from physical and cyber disruptions of critical infrastructure

• enhancing cross-border engagement of critical infrastructure sectors

• strengthening cyber security to protect vital government and critical digital infrastructure of national importance, and make cyberspace safer for citizens

• developing protocols to support the speedy resumption of trade following a potential border closure

Governance:

• Led by National Security Staff and Privy Council Office

• Each initiative has timelines and lead agencies

• Canada and the U.S. formed an Executive Steering Committee at the Assistant Secretary/Assistant Deputy Minister level to oversee implementation

• To measure progress and ensure accountability, there will be a joint annual, public report to the Leaders

2012 Achievements to Date –

• Completed joint statement of privacy principles

• Achieved mutual recognition of air cargo security programs

• Began deploying Explosive Detection Systems (EDS-certified) equipment at preclearance airports to end re-screening of checked baggage on connecting flights

• Completed and published Considerations for Traffic Management During and Following an Emergency for use by border communities

• Held two cross-border business traveler consultations

• Created dedicated NEXUS lane at Canadian airports expedites screening

• Announced streamlined NEXUS renewal procedures and have conducted NEXUS enrolment blitzes

• Deployed binational port operations committees (land and air)

• Launched Regional Resilience Assessment Program pilot

• Developed and convened the Executive Steering Committee

2012 Anticipated Milestones –

• Full implementation of Shiprider following ratification by Parliament

• Complete Integrated Cargo Security Strategy and conduct pilots

• Create the first bi-national 5-year Border Infrastructure Investment Plan

• Implement a truck-cargo pre-inspection pilot

• Conduct a meat importation pilot

• Implement improved processes for facilitating cross-border business travel

• Complete negotiations to allow for full preclearance of rail and maritime travelers departing from Vancouver to the United States.

• Extend Free and Secure Trade (FAST) benefits to members of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and Partners in Protection (PIP).

• Begin entry-exit pilot project at 2-4 common land ports of entry

2013 Anticipated Milestones –

• Provide real-time information on border wait times at the top 20 crossings

• Expand NEXUS lanes and booths at several key crossings

• Harmonize the trusted trader programs, C-TPAT (U.S.) and PIP (CDN)

• Develop a set of measures to reduce the impacts of shared health security risks.

• Implement and align single-window programs for imports

2014 and beyond –

• Fully implement an entry/exit program at all U.S.-Canada land border crossings

• Implement bi-national radio interoperability for law enforcement and first responders

• By 2015, implement passenger baggage screening technology at all Canadian preclearance airports to eliminate baggage rescreening on connecting flights in the US

• Continue to enhance coordination on cybersecurity and critical infrastructure

• Canada will implement Electronic Travel Authorization and air exit

Stay informed. Read the Action Plan and fact sheets and stay up to date on milestones and outreach events at www.dhs.gov/beyond-the-border and/or www.actionplan.gc.ca/border.

Provide feedback. Your ideas can help guide the implementation of the Action Plan. Provide feedback at public forums like this one or email your ideas to beyondtheborder@hq.dhs.gov and/or border@actionplan.gc.ca.