ARCHIVED - Public Safety Minister Toews concludes successful meeting with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2011 — Canada's Public Safety Minister, Vic Toews, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, concluded a successful meeting in Washington today. Minister Toews and Secretary Napolitano meet officially twice a year to advance files that will further strengthen security at the Canada–U.S. border, while facilitating the legitimate flow of goods and travel.

“Canada and the U.S. have a long history of cooperation and consultation on security measures at our shared border,” said Minister Toews. “Building on what our countries have already accomplished, Secretary Napolitano and I met today to discuss opportunities to continue to strengthen the cooperation between our two countries.”

“The United States and Canada have a long history of collaboration to counter terrorism and transnational crime at home and abroad while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We will continue to work with our Canadian partners to ensure the security, efficiency and resiliency of the supply chains and critical infrastructure that are vital to the security and prosperity of both our nations.”

A commitment made by Minister Toews and Secretary Napolitano today will see Canada and the U.S. working more closely with international partners, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization, to enhance the security of the global supply chain—how products are moved from suppliers to customers around the globe.

“Canada and the U.S. will continue to cooperate in global supply chain security initiatives designed to prevent terrorist exploitation, promote international security and further facilitate legitimate trade and commerce to promote economic prosperity,” stated Minister Toews.

Minister Toews and Secretary Napolitano also discussed ongoing cyber security activities, including opportunities to broaden and deepen collaboration between the two nations, as well as progress being made on the Declaration on a Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, issued by Prime Minister Harper and President Obama in February of this year.

The two will meet again at the 12th Canada–U.S. Cross-Border Crime Forum Ministerial meeting being held in Ottawa later this year. The Forum is a joint effort of Public Safety Canada, the Department of Justice Canada, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It contributes to enhancing cooperation on key cross-border crime and security issues, with a particular focus on addressing a number of cross-border issues, including terrorism, organized crime, drugs trafficking, economic crime, prosecutions and others.

For further information:

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657

Date modified:

2015-11-26