Through the Canada-United States Accord on our Shared Border, the two countries jointly offer new and innovative programs and services. The objectives of the Accord -- signed in 1995 -- are to:

• promote international trade
• streamline processes for legitimate travellers and commercial goods
• provide enhanced protection against drug smuggling and the illegal entrance of people
• reduce costs for both governments.

Accord Update 2000 (Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site) is the latest report about Accord activities, including:

• commercial vehicle processing
• contraband detection technology
• joint facilities
• in-transit highway simplification
• liaison officer exchange
• joint review of border security
• travellers initiatives
• alternative inspection services.

The four Canadian and U.S. inspection agencies participating in the Shared Border Accord are:

• Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada (www.cic.gc.ca)
• U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection(www.customs.ustreas.gov)
• Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (www.immigration.gov/graphics/index.htm).