USA and Canada: Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment

US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Canada's Public Safety Minister Vic Toews today announced the public release of the Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment, highlighting the United States' and Canada's commitment to identifying and mitigating potential threats of terrorism and transnational organized crime along the shared border. This fulfills their July 2010 pledge of public release of this assessment.

The Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment is a part of a shared vision for border security that Secretary Napolitano and Minister Toews outlined during meetings held throughout 2010, and reflects their mutual commitment to working together to safeguard both nations' vital assets, networks, infrastructure and citizens. "The United States and Canada have a long history of productive collaboration," said Secretary Napolitano. "The Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing security along our shared border while facilitating legitimate travel and trade that is critical to the economies of both countries."

The Assessment addresses a range of security issues, including terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal immigration. It also reflects the commitment to work together to protect our borders and shared critical infrastructure from terrorism and transnational crime articulated by President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in February. Their historic declaration - "Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness" - sets forth how the United States and Canada will manage our shared homeland and economic security.

"The Government of Canada is committed to a safe, secure and efficient border. This is vital to Canada's economy and to the safety and security of all Canadians," said Minister Toews. "Canada and the U.S. are working closely to ensure that our shared border remains open to the legitimate movement of people and goods, and closed to those who would do either country harm."

A public version of the Joint Border Threat and Risk Assessment can be found here. For more information, please visit www.publicsafety.gc.ca or www.dhs.gov.