FBC promotes practical border solutions
At this week’s PNWER Summit in Calgary, FBC promoted practical border solutions in three mainstage panels, two private briefings with the Canadian and US Ambassadors, and a multi-party consultation with border stakeholders from across the U.S. and Canada.
Here are the main takeaways:
Too many barriers are keeping the tourism industry from the recovery it needs. There are willing travelers and willing service providers ready to host them. Why are there so many barriers in between? Cascading obstacles plus a lack of information for travelers is costing our tourism sector the recovery it deserves.
Supply chains are blocked by some factors outside of North American control including the war in Ukraine, shipping container mis-positioning, and a shortage of chips in the auto sector, but we should be doing more to clear away the obstacles we can control through smarter use of border technology, bilateral harmonization, and public education.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada are advancing their own programs for trade facilitation but we are not working closely enough on program alignment or (best case) harmonization.
FBC recommends a Bilateral Border Framework to guide and advance border program alignment.
FBC members are calling for a single website containing up-to-date information for U.S. and Canadian travelers. Let’s make the Two-Nation Vacation a reality!
Transportation Border Summit Update
Future Borders Coalition will be be taking these issues to the next level at the October 13, 2022, Transportation Border Summit in Washington, DC. Come and join the conversation! Watch your inbox for updates or contact FBC Summit Coordinator Henna Rennie for more information.
FBC Advocacy - July 2022
Meeting between CBSA Travelers Branch and FBC transportation and tourism experts providing recommendations on ArriveCAN improvements and long-term prospects for digital border technology.
Private briefing with Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman, Canadian Consul General (Seattle) Mia Yen, and Alberta Representative in Washington, James Rajotte.
Private briefing with U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen, DHS Attache Ted Sobol, and U.S. Consul General Holly Waeger Monster (Calgary).
“At the outset of the pandemic, U.S. and Canadian officials performic heroic measures to keep the border open. FBC challenges our two nations to maintain this high standard of bilateral cooperation and alignment through the recovery period.”
Laura Dawson, FBC Executive Director
FBC remembers Ryan Malane
FBC mourns the passing of Ryan Malane, co-owner of Black Ball Ferry and a dedicated border champion.
Help us build a better border
FBC is committed to building a better border for travel and trade. You can help through expert advice, membership, and financial support. Contact laura.dawson@futureborderscoalition.org for more information.
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