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Posted
June 28, 2005 |
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Globe
and Mail Update |
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North American security plan unveiled Canada will be participating in a new, wide-ranging North American security plan that Ottawa hopes will improve the response to internal and external threats while helping the flow of goods across the three countries, Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan announced Monday. The comprehensive strategy was developed following the formation of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America at a meeting of U.S. President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Paul Martin and Mexican President Vicente Fox in March. The new measures will include increased sharing of information between the countries, Ms. McLellan said during a press conference in Ottawa. "Some specific initiatives include testing biometric technology in screening travellers, developing benchmarks on visa issues and developing a co-ordinated strategy on threats to our food supply and agricultural sectors." The plan includes improved screening measures that are comparable between countries to ensure that dangerous goods and people do not enter North America. As well, the three countries will share information on "high-risk individuals and cargo." The three governments have agreed to prepare a co-ordinated response to large-scale incidents, she said. And, if there is a major incident, the governments will work together to resume cross-border trade as soon as possible. "We will also be working to help ensure the resumption of business following a major incident impacting border operations." "I'm confident these three countries will move from making commitments to accomplishments," the Deputy Prime Minister said. But during Question Period, the NDP accused the Liberals of putting together the plan without consultation with parliament or Canadians. "The Liberal minority government is fast-tracking Canada into an agenda of deep integration with the U.S. and Mexico without a mandate from Canadians or consultation with Parliament" said Peter Julian, the party's international trade critic. He asked that Mr. Martin establish an "open dialogue" with Canadians about the path that is being taken. "In addition to being undemocratic, the deep integration strategy ignores the need to maintain Canada's identity and sovereignty. Allowing corporate North America to define our interests as a nation implies, in the end, complete regulatory harmonization with the U.S., and the subordination of our economic, social, cultural, and environmental policies to US policies," Mr. Julian said. But during Monday morning's press conference with Ms. McLellan and officials from the United States and Mexico, Industry Minister David Emerson said other countries will only continue to invest in North America if they can be sure that "it is a competitive platform from which to compete in the global marketplace." The plan, put together by senior Canadian, U.S. and Mexican ministers, makes 300 specific proposals to ensure security and the free flow of North American trade. With a report from Canadian Press |
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