My cousin is in the RCMP and is heading to the states for some seminar on auto theft. We got into a discussion on the proposed security perimeter and they brought up that for law enforcement the border no longer exists! At the G8 this week more was mentioned on the security perimeter, but not widely covered by the media. Found two articles: AND source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/05/26/g8-harper.html We already have integrated law enforcement on the border: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ibet-eipf/index-eng.htm http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ibet-eipf/shiprider-eng.htm I'm still left wondering if the security perimeter means free travel between Canada and the United States. As in no border inside the perimeter via land and sea?
Border I think it will be many years before "free' travel across our two borders, when one looks at all the other laws within the US that affect foreigners, there would be lots of inconsistency in application of so called free travel across borders. Customs regs as to goods would be less of a problem but immigration would be a serious obstacle, just look at the number of Canadians turned back accused of living in the US even though they can prove otherwise but need to hire legal reps and spend years getting the facts straightened out. In order to circumvent such discretion by Immigration authorities there would need to be more integration of personal data transfer between the two Countries possibly encroaching on sovereignty issues. The US regards the Canadian legal system as a get out of jail free card, (draft dodgers safe haven etc) and our less than strict enforcement of drug laws does not help, which leads to a lack of trust in security and immigration matters also.
Part of the security perimeter is better information sharing and more aligned immigration laws. US immigration on non immigrant status is very easy for Canadians. Sure some agents make it more complex because they are not comfortable rubber stamping the status sought. Sometimes its the Canadians fault by not being properly documented. Once past immigration really no blocks to basically living like an American. Same with Americans coming up to Vancouver.
Did some grocery shopping across the border. Asked them about the security perimeter. Land border has been set up to be like a toll road. They can see a NEXUS type system for all Americans and Canadians with enhanced drivers licenses becoming the same as having a NEXUS card! Non citizens of each country will still need to be checked. Eventually for citizens of Canada and United States with enhanced drivers licenses it will be like automated tolls crossing the border. In 08 we updated the tax treaty between the two countries. Makes it easier to pay withholdings for Canadians in the USA and vice versus for Americans. The economic ties are all ready in place. In the works is easier immigration and customs for people and goods. Seems both are becoming like moving state to state.
Border There is concern that enhanced D/L's can be read by "others" while cars are sitting in a lineup at the border, not good for so called security, easy to scan and copy. a better system would be to electronic scan of passports while actually at the border post, similar to the nexus card idea, the problem with that of course is unless iris scan or fingerprint then still high risk.
They mentioned that U.S passports are RFID enabled as are Canadian enhanced drivers licenses. They are still working on getting the bugs out of an automated border crossing to make it easy for American and Canadian citizens to cross. They pretty much realize that NAFTA visa's have become more of a rubber stamp. Other obstacle is keeping criminals out of the free flow of people "plan". NEXUS is a test of the eventual new for enhanced drivers license holders to do the same. Why enhanced drivers licenses also include criminal back ground checks!!!!! Not sure how they'll stop others being able to read RFID enabled id.
Border Now, if they would allow the security perimeter to eliminate the need for Cdn registered vessels to visit an "out of perimeter" country zone in order to renew annual cruising license.!!!
I'm looking at a Canadian flagged boat tomorrow with a Washington slip. I'll ask about the permits needed, etcetera.
Washington State being on the CDN border has different opinions over what is done in Florida. WA marina's along the border (Point Roberts especially) have large numbers of Canadian vessels mooring full time. Duty paid or free vessels get the no leave treatment most times. You can also easily state title with Canadian registration and that makes things even easier! Non related example. WA does not require student visas for Canadians and charges the resident tuition at all schools. To get a state drivers license or other services you don't need proof of immigration but the border still gives Canadian students an I-94. Just in case someone wants to see a student visa and is not aware Canadians don't actually need a student visa anymore in most border states. Bet schools in Florida want to see a student visa even from Canadians and charge foreign student rates.
Borders I understand that cruising within Puget Sound ,even though there are at least 5 customs posts shore side in that area, does not require annual departure for cruising license and indeed may not even require a cruising license, this is in direct contrast to Florida where one cannot travel between customs zones without license or permit to move. This may be because Seattle regards the Puget Sound area as one zone for cruising purposes as the strait of Juana de Fuca is a great "capture zone" whereas Florida with their coast line being so "open" and with numerous small airports treats each zone as autonomous.
Florida will probably be always messed up because it does not have a one country neighbor like Northern border states.
