For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
MONTREAL - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano met with Public Safety Canada Minister Vic Toews to discuss progress in implementing the Beyond the Border (BTB) Action Plan: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, announced by President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in December 2011.
“Our countries have made significant progress in implementing the initiatives of the Beyond the Border Action Plan,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We will continue to work together to move the plan forward - further enhancing the economic and national security of both of our nations.”
“Public Safety Canada continues to work closely and effectively with our U.S. partners to strengthen trade ties and ensure that our shared border remains open to legitimate businesses and travelers,” said Minister Toews. “The collaboration and intelligence sharing between Canada and the U.S. continues to strengthen the security of both our nations.”
The BTB Action Plan lays out common priorities for achieving a new long-term security partnership by addressing threats early; promoting trade facilitation, economic growth and jobs; strengthening cross-border law enforcement; and protecting shared critical infrastructure, including enhancing cybersecurity.
During their meeting, Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews discussed their commitment to improving communications on redress mechanisms available to individuals who have experienced difficulty boarding a commercial aircraft. DHS currently offers a one-stop redress process for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening – DHS TRIP. Updates on these and other Beyond the Border deliverables can be found at www.dhs.gov/beyond-the-border.
While in Montreal, Secretary Napolitano will address the International Civil Aviation Organization’s High-Level Conference on Aviation Security. Secretary Napolitano, Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole, and Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin will also meet with international partners to discuss aviation and global supply chain security efforts.
For more information, please visit www.dhs.gov.
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