Canada Border Services Agency
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Fact Sheet

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January 2007

Partners in Protection

Working together to enhance security for the business community and all Canadians

The Government of Canada is committed to working with the business community to increase security at the border. The Partners in Protection (PIP) program is a voluntary initiative to help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

Under the PIP program, participating private industries sign an agreement with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Working together, the CBSA and the partner company develop a joint plan of action, conduct security assessments, participate in awareness sessions and consult on a regular basis. The CBSA also reviews the partner’s security measures and provides guidance, advice or suggestions to address any potential gaps.

As a benefit, organizations that join the PIP program become eligible to participate in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program that helps enhance security and makes cross-border commercial shipments simpler and subject to fewer delays.

Money allocated from Budget 2006 will help improve the PIP program by maximizing benefits to members and reducing the paper burden. In addition, PIP will become harmonized with a similar program in the United States called the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Canada will also be taking a more aggressive approach to promote PIP in order to raise public awareness and increase program participation.

Successful partnerships are important to building a stronger Canada. By working with the CBSA, private industries are helping to protect Canadians and the Canadian economy and helping to facilitate the flow of legitimate global trade.

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