Improving US-trade relations stalls: Expert
Posted Aug 13, 2011 10:57:47 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s been about six months since Canada and the US announced a joint initiative to speed up cross-border trade and travel. But a public policy expert says we’re still not very close to reaching an actual deal.
The goal is to stop illegal goods from crossing the border while allowing law-abiding travellers and truckers to cross quickly.
Professor Derek Burney with the University of Calgary says right now security at the border is a burden and it’s impacting the flow of tourism and trade.
“I think it’s an important initiative. We’ve seen many communiqués expressing the same sentiments that they want to improve security, they want to facilitate access across the border. We’ve seen numerous press releases to that effect, but what we haven’t seen is a lot of tangible results.”
Burney says an agreement won’t be reached until Prime Minister Stephen Harper and US President Barack Obama “crack some heads” and make it a top priority.
He says we’ve seen too many press releases on the initiative and not enough action.
BBB’s come together
If you have ever been ripped off at an American store online, it’s now a little easier for you to get help. The Better Business Bureau from Canada and the US are joining forces.
President and CEO Steve Cox says it doesn’t make sense to have two separate systems any more.
“Every day, more than $1 billion in goods and services are exchanged between the two nations. With that said, the vast majority of consumers initially contact the BBB through the Internet,” he says. “So, given those advances in technology and given the globalization of services aligning our integrating our BBB services are ultimately going to provide a better service.”
He adds the changes will make shopping much more seamless. Cox feels the two countries are one big North American marketplace that needs to be served.
