Canada-USA Border Issues: A New Bridge for Old Allies

Toronto, Ottawa and Washington, D.C. linked by video conference.

The highly integrated trade relations between Canada and the United States have provided strong and lasting benefits to both economies. However, developments since September 11, 2001 have lead to new security requirements, most recently the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the Buy America provisions in the Administration’s stimulus package; issues which have taken on a heightened significance in the current economic climate and with pronouncements from the new U.S. administration equating the Mexican with the Canadian border.

Former Canadian Ambassador to the USA, Michael Kergin (Toronto) and Birgit Matthiesen (Washington, DC) will examine the current challenges and discuss short and long term solutions in presenting their recently authored border issues report for the Canadian International Council entitled “A New Bridge for Old Allies.” This program will provide keen insights into the future of this fundamental aspect of our economy and will provide important guidance not only to international trade lawyers and in-house counsel, but to anyone counseling businesses, small and large.

Crowell & Moring is one of the hosts of this program. Ian Laird is one of the co-chairs.