Napolitano, Canadian Safety Officials Team To Tackle Trade, Security Threats

By Laura Smith - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Public Safety Canada Minister Peter Van Loan on Tuesday announced initiatives both nations will take to tackle common threats such as terrorism and organized crime, "while ensuring the lawful flow of travel and trade across the border."

According to Napolitano, the key measures include enhanced information sharing between the U.S. and Canada, the expansion of joint law enforcement operations and improved coordination during emergencies.

“Minister Van Loan and I are committed to working together to combat transnational threats and facilitate lawful travel and trade on both sides of the border,” Napolitano said.

Along with the new initiatives, Napolitano also discussed the possibility of the United States joining a biometric data sharing program with Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom that would “strengthen the integrity of the immigration systems.”

“Biometrics continues to be a powerful tool to prevent terrorists and criminals from crossing our shared border and preventing identity theft and asylum fraud,” she said.

On trade between the two nations, Napolitano said she will be working with Canadian officials on streamlined border shipping services and making cross-border travel more convenient for travelers with proper documentation.