A key challenge to cross border emergency communications was recently overcome with the October 21, 2014 announcement of an agreement between Industry Canada and the United States (U.S.) Federal Communications Commission, allowing each country’s emergency responders to bring and use portable mobile devices, such as hand-held radios, across the border without permit.

The agreement furthers the objective of the Beyond the Border Canada-U.S. Communications Interoperability Working Group, co-led by Public Safety Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

     CBSA launched its Trusted Trader Portal on June 15, 2014, to provide secure and efficient online services to accredited members of the trade community. The Portal will allow eligible companies to submit online applications for membership in Partners in Protection (PIP) and obtain timely updates on the progress of their application.

It will also allow existing PIP members to manage their Trusted Trader membership online.

Fraser Direct is both a Trusted Trader and PIP member.