Niagara, Ontario-Area Chambers Welcome New Canada – U.S. Border Action Plan

 (Niagara At Large is posting this December 2 media release from members of the Niagara, Ontario businesses community on an unprecedented border agreement between Canada and the United States – an agreement that very much impacts on our greater Niagara region given the fact that it hosts some of the busiest border crossings on the continent.)

(Niagara) – As Niagara continues to play a leadership role in Canada’s economic transition, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and St. Catharines – Thorold Chamber of Commerce welcomes the new Canada – U.S. Border Action Plan announced today.

Mike Watt, chair of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce on the Ontario side of the border.

A key component of the border deal will be the expansion of pre-clearance programs NEXUS and FAST (Free and Secure Trade). The chambers are encouraged to see that there will also be expanded lanes and booths for NEXUS holders at the Fort Erie and Queenston border crossings.

 “As a community that benefits directly from this trade with nearly 30 per cent of all Canada-US trade passing through Niagara, we certainly recognize the importance of facilitating movement of goods and people between Canada and the U.S,” explains Mike Watt, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “The business community will benefit from expedited access to the United States market as a result of this agreement.”

Over 70 per cent of the value of Canada’s international trade travelling by road flows into the United States across Ontario borders. According to a 2007 Ontario Chamber of Commerce report Easing the Choke Points, Ontario – US trade is greater than US – Japan trade and $627 billion crossed the Ontario-U.S. border in 2005. Delays at the border are costing Ontario and US economies $13.6 billion annually. Based on a review of the proposed plans released today by the Canadian and United States government, investments in infrastructure will reduce congestion at key crossings and facilitate the flow of trade.

 “Niagara is the second largest trade crossing in Ontario and largest in terms of tourism crossing,” explains Kithio Mwanzia, Director of Policy and Government Relations for the St. Catharines – Thorold Chamber of Commerce.  “More specifically, the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Fort Erie is the second busiest bridge following closely behind the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor. Improving the movement of goods and people across the border is an important part of Niagara’s economic development moving forward and today’s announcement will have a direct benefit to Niagara.”

The St. Catharines – Thorold Chamber has been working with the Ontario Chamber and the Canadian Chamber over the past four years to position Niagara as a critical gateway that requires increased investment for cross-border infrastructure development.

 “Today’s announcement includes the establishment of pilot projects,” continues Mwanzia. “We’ll be working with local members of parliament to ensure that Niagara’s border communities will be selected as areas to launch the pilot projects that will guide the outlined strategy.”

Following on the details of today’s announcement, there will be a breakfast focused on bi-national opportunities held on Friday December 16, 2011 at the Holiday Inn Suites Parkway Conference centre starting at 8 a.m. entitled Bridging the Gap – The Niagara Border. The breakfast will highlight changes and impacts that have taken place and the new opportunities for Niagara’s cross-border region.

The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce is the champion for the Niagara business community.

(Niagara At Large invites you to share your views below on this unprecedented border agreement between Canada and the United States)