Canada and the United States have announced their first formal plan to enhance the security of their common 5,525-mile border, the longest in the world.

“Crystallizing a shared vision of border security that facilitates trade is a priority if we are to mitigate threats to our joint security and promote economic competitiveness,” Canada’s Public Safety Minister Vic Toewes said in a July 13 press release.

Mr. Toewes met with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in Washington to discuss new cooperative initiatives to expedite travel and trade.

“Today’s announcements reflect our commitment to cooperative action to protect and safeguard both nations’ vital assets, networks and systems, as well as the shared responsibility to protect all citizens from cross-border crime and terrorism,” Ms. Napolitano said.

The plan, titled Canada-United States Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure, is available at www.dhs.gov and www.publicsafety.gov.ca

It highlights the need for closer working partnerships between U.S. and Canadian authorities, improved information sharing and risk management.

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