VALCOUR — By CASEY RYAN VOCK
As neighbors with the longest border in the world, the challenge for the United States and Canada is to balance security and efficiency.
U.S. Ambassador to Canada David C. Jacobson, who spoke at the Global Supply Chain Management Conference at Plattsburgh State, said the two nations should work in cooperation to achieve what are similar priorities.
"As nations, the United States and Canada really do share the same goals along the border. We seek ways in which to allow commerce to be conducted as effectively as possible. We strive for security that keeps our citizens safe and preserves the freedoms that we all value."
'PLACE OF POSSIBILITIES'
He characterized the border as a key element in the relationship between the two nations.
"The border occupies a critical role in influencing the strength of the economies and the integrity of our security on both sides of the border," Jacobson said.
"It's a place of possibilities. It's a place that connects us, not only in the pursuit of commerce, but in a spirit of common ideals and common values."
TRAVEL TIME
After taking his post last fall, Jacobson kept his promise to see the entire country by traveling to each of its 10 provinces.
He also had the opportunity to visit customs warehouses, cargo terminals and security checkpoints and met with a host of security and customs officials and personnel.
He also spent one day simply driving back and forth across the border, traveling from border crossing to border crossing.
"I was truly amazed at the dividends that are being paid as a result of investments being made on both sides of the border in technology."
NEXUS CARDS
Jacobson advocated the use of the NEXUS alternative inspection program, which allows expedited processing for pre-screened travelers with the flash of a radio-frequency identification card.
Jacobson expressed his amazement at the innovation, which can allow an entire carload of pre-screened passengers to cross into Canada in seconds.
"It's investments in technology like that, whether it's people or goods, that truly are going to make a difference."
SHARING INFORMATION
The effectiveness of such technology is bolstered by information sharing between law-enforcement officials, he said.
"The more information that we share between law-enforcement officials, the less likely it is that somebody will be able to evade detection, someone who might wish us ill."
Still, he explained, the use of technology and information sharing can present new concerns.
"One of the challenges clearly faced on both sides of the border is the issue of individual privacy. These are serious issues on both sides of the border."
Since becoming more familiar with Canadian culture and the country's legal system, Jacobson understands that the United States and Canada share similar values with respect to the rights of the individual.
"The laws in our two countries, with respect to privacy issues, are surprisingly similar. I had been under the impression that there were some gaping differences. I think that is because at our core, we both believe in that same value."
FASTER ENTRY
Jacobson said progress is already being made in reducing the wait times for people and products crossing the border.
"Average wait times today are less than they were prior to Sept. 11. In fact, since 2007, the average wait times per passenger have been cut by almost a third, and the average wait time for goods has been cut almost in half."
Jacobson said those figures indicate that the two countries do not have to make a tradeoff.
"We don't have to make the choice of security on one hand, and efficiency on the other hand. If we work together and are smart, if we are creative and invest in technology that works, we can achieve both of those."
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
