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NEWS RELEASE
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July 27, 2009 |
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat |
MINISTER
OF STATE MEETS U.S. OFFICIALS ON BORDER ISSUES
BLAINE, WA
– The strong relationship between B.C. and Washington State is greatly
assisting both Canada and the United States to avoid potential impacts of
border delays on the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Minister of
State for Intergovernmental Relations Naomi Yamamoto said today.
“Through our government’s work with Governor Christine Gregoire and our
leadership together in promoting cross-border action on our priorities, we have
been successful in taking positive steps to reduce border delays and ensure
smooth and safe flow of legitimate trade and travel,” Yamamoto said.
Border management was the focus as
Yamamoto joined U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in a tour with
Washington’s governor Christine Gregoire. U.S. Representative Rick Larsen from
Washington State, who has been a leader in combatting protectionism and keeping
the border open, was also part of the tour.
The tour included the Olympics Coordination Center in Bellingham and the
Blaine border crossings where traffic congestion and construction at the U.S.
crossings were discussed.
“I am very pleased Secretary Napolitano has taken the time to personally
review the unique needs of border crossers in this region prior to the 2010
Olympics,” said Yamamoto. “We want Canadians and Americans alike to be able to
share in the excitement and tremendous opportunities to showcase our region to
the world during the Games.”
Napolitano was briefed on the successful implementation of British
Columbia’s and Washington’s enhanced driver’s licence initiatives, which on a
voluntary basis, provide citizens with a cost-effective and convenient option
to the passport for crossing the border.
Washington and British Columbia have established a close working
relationship on border issues, emergency preparedness and environmental co-operation.
The Province will continue to work closely with the state of Washington
on finding innovative ideas for the efficient and safe movement of people and
trade across the border, Yamamoto said.
The B.C. government has taken a number of steps to promote open borders
and streamline the flows of trade and travel. Last year, a $285-million border
infrastructure program was completed, improving highway access through
road-widening and constructing new interchanges.
More than 9,000 enhanced driver’s licences have already been issued in
British Columbia since the program was launched in May. It was introduced on a
pilot basis in 2008 to allow Canadians living in British Columbia convenient
and secure travel through land and sea borders to the United States without
carrying a passport.
The Province has also been actively engaged in the successful effort to
get a second Amtrak daily train service between Vancouver and Seattle on the
tracks before the 2010 Games. The service is expected to be launched later this
summer.
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Contact: |
Alex
Dabrowski 250
356-7373 (office) |
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