Harrison Township, MI – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, today commended President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper on their joint agreement for enhanced cross-border security, travel and trade collaboration between Canada and the United States.

“The northern border faces serious security challenges which affects both of our nation’s every day lives and today’s announcement of an enhanced collaboration is welcomed news,” Miller said. “Security on the northern border can only be met through our shared efforts and both the U.S. and Canada must be committed to strengthening every element of our cross-border relationship.”

“Canada is our busiest and most active trading partner. Our economic relationship is not only important to my home state of Michigan, but to our entire nation. Securing and maintaining our trade relationship is vital to the steady flow of commerce and people who cross everyday. Simply put, our border relationship with Canada is central to our economy and way of life,” Miller said. “Northern Border Security is a principal advocacy of mine and as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security I look forward to exploring ways to secure our borders.”

In the declaration entitled: Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Competitiveness, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper agree to further early identification of potential threats, efficient borders/trade facilitation and identify opportunities to harmonize trusted traveler and trusted trader programs, as well as enhance collaboration between cross-border law enforcement programs. In the next coming months, a border working group between the U.S. and Canadian governments will establish policy initiatives outlined in this declaration.

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