Chamber Releases Report on the Canada-U.S. Border - Finding the Balance: Shared Border of the Future

'We need to work together to get our countries out from this global
    economic downturn. We are partners. Partners in business, partners in
                     security, and partners in recovery.'
                       Perrin Beatty, President and CEOOTTAWA, July 21 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with 47 business associations from
both sides of the border, today issued a joint report on Finding the Balance:
Shared Border of the Future. Following up on their 2008 report, this paper
offers specific recommendations to reduce border costs in the short-term while
increasing security at the border and competitiveness of all industries.
    "Our countries share this common border and must work together to improve
the flow of trade and people," said Tom Donohue, President and CEO, of the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Businesses rely on an efficient, predictable border
to ensure profitability and growth. For the world's largest trading
partnership to expand during the recession, cooperation is essential."
    The report puts forward recommendations for both governments to act on
within the next 18 months to improve our economies. These proposals include:-   steps to streamline border wait times;
    -   implementing trusted shipper programs to enhance supply chain
        security without imposing a one-size-fits-all regulatory burden on
        businesses;
    -   enacting the NEXUS program to expedite clearance for 1 million low-
        risk travellers;
    -   offer preclearance of goods and people beyond the currently defined
        "border" area; and
    -   provide funding for a single electronic filing system.The border facilitates the largest bilateral trading relationship in the
world, with $1.6 billion in two-way trade and 300,000 travellers crossing the
border on a daily basis. Thirty-seven of the fifty U.S. states rely on Canada
as their largest export market. More than 10 million jobs rely on this
relationship including 7.1 million jobs in the United States and 3 million
jobs in Canada.
    "The business community is looking for action from both governments to
fix the structural problems at the border," said Beatty. "We are providing
both governments with practical recommendations to ensure we come out of this
economic downturn stronger and more competitive."
    In addition to 47 business associations, the Canadian Chamber and U.S.
Chamber had the support of its four sponsors: Con-Way Inc., MDS Nordion, Casco
Inc., and Purolator.

For further information: Kathryn Anderson, Director, Communications and
Marketing, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Office: [phone] ext. 231,
Cell: [phone], [e-mail]