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What Canada does in continental security.

Article Excerpt
Occasional U.S. images of Canada as an unreliable continental security partner are said false. A $5 billion commitment to improving border security in close co-operation with the United Stares is indicative of Canada's efforts to help keep both countries safe. Speech to the Renaissance Club, Detroit, Michigan, March 11, 2003.

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I want to speak to you today about our shared border and the Canadian measures to strengthen our mutual security. As Canada's minister of citizenship and immigration, I frequently deal with these issues from an immigration perspective. But first and foremost, I approach them as a Canadian. And Canadians are strongly committed to the relationship that underpins security arrangements between us.

As a friendly neighbour would, Canada has worked hard over many years--both before and after 9/11--to ensure our shared border is safe with regard to goods and people moving in both directions. Canadians have been steadfast security partners.

For this reason, we have been perplexed by some media reports appearing in this country. Every so often, there are inaccurate media stories about presumed terrorists finding their way to the United States via Canada, which generate criticism of our immigration policies. As these inaccurate reports pile up, they nourish an impression that Canada is an unreliable security partner.

This impression is wrong. These reports do not match the reality of the security arrangements that exist between us or the common security challenges each country is facing.

Most importantly, they don't take into account the many initiatives that our...

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