Smart Border Declaration

Following the 9 September 2001 attacks, the U.S. declared a "level one" alert at its borders, which required intrusive inspections of all crossing vehicles and passengers. Former Pennsylvania Governor and head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, and Canadian Foreign Affairs minister John Manley "got along extremely well" as they put together a plan. The Declaration included a four-part Action Plan. Within a year, it was expanded into a 30-point Action Plan. ==Features==

The Smart Border Declaration and the associated 30-Point Action Plan to Enhance the Security of Our Shared Border While Facilitating the Legitimate Flow of People and Goods had four pillars: the secure flow of people; the secure flow of goods; secure infrastructure; and information sharing and coordination on the enforcement of these objectives. It promised quick action to produce a new high-tech clearance system to expedite and streamline commercial and business travel, while fortifying security. The program led to dedicated shipping lanes, and pre-screening systems for cargo that became commonplace for transport between Canada and the U.S. The NEXUS program was introduced whereby individuals are deemed to be "trusted travelers" after vetting by Canadian and American officials. Similarly, the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program (open to truck drivers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico) makes cross-border commercial shipments simpler and quicker. The programs leave authorities with more time and personnel to devote to less-trusted travellers and shipments. ==Later related initiatives==

President Obama and Prime Minister Harper announced the Declaration of a Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness on 4 February 2011, and on 7 December 2011 they released the Beyond the Border Action Plan. The plan provided a formal mechanism to strengthen border cooperation. It had initiatives in four areas: Addressing Threats Early; Trade Facilitation, Economic Growth and Jobs; Cross-Border Law Enforcement; and Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security. The Beyond the Border plan lapsed in 2017 under the Trump and Trudeau administrations. The cooperation established by the Smart Border initiative made it easier to restrict border traffic in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada and the U.S. worked together to keep cross-border goods trade flowing, largely by exempting truck, rail, and air freight workers from most public health restrictions. Some sort of permanent oversight presence within the U.S. government, such as an expert panel or a commission, would help to keep border issues at the forefront of policy decisions and could ensure matters are dealt with more deliberately and efficiently. ==See also==