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Canadian customs agents could soon work in the U.S. and carry firearms, and the U.S. border guards could do the same in Canada, as a result of a new border agreement between Canada and the U.S.
Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson have signed a customs pre-clearance agreement for rail, land and sea travel that was years in the making.
The arrangement would allow customs agents to work in each other's countries, which means they could screen passengers away from the border and ease the choke points.
"This historic new agreement builds on decades of successful pre-clearance operations in Canadian airports," Blaney said in a statement distributed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
"It will enhance the security at our border and create jobs and growth in Canada by improving the flow of legitimate goods and people between our two countries."
Maryscott Greenwood of the Canadian American Business Council said the agreement will use modern technology to speed up things at the border.
"It's dramatic, it's historic, it's a big day in Canada-U.S. relations," she said.
The statement says the agreement applies to all modes of transport, which could include passenger vehicles.
It also says customs agents will be allowed to carry firearms in each other's countries.
Legal, budget challenges still remain
What's not clear is how easily the plan might be implemented. The agreement does not guarantee several developments that would be crucial:
• Legislation is required. In Canada, government-supported legislation almost always passes Parliament. In the U.S., even routine legislation can mean protracted drama.
• Budgeting for new customs infrastructure away from the border is yet to come.
• Participation of the private sector in places such as bus and train stations has to be nailed down.
Read the original news story here:
New border deal: Canada customs agents could work in U.S., vice versa
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