Extension of Public Consultation Period on Shared Vision for Canada-U.S. Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness

(No. 131 - May 13, 2011 - 8:40 a.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today announced that the Government of Canada is resuming public consultations on the Canada-United States shared vision for perimeter security and economic competitiveness. The public consultation period has been extended until June 3, 2011.

The shared vision was announced February 4, 2011, in a joint declaration by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama.

As stated in the declaration, the Government of Canada will engage with all levels of government and with communities, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and Canadian citizens on innovative approaches to security and competitiveness. These consultations will inform the development of a joint Canada-United States action plan that will set out a range of initiatives in four key areas of cooperation aimed at promoting security and supporting trade and economic growth.

For more information on the public consultations or to submit comments online, consult www.borderactionplan.gc.ca. A report summarizing the findings of the consultations will be published later in the year.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Monika Bujalska
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of International Trade
613-992-9304
monika.bujalska@international.gc.ca

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000