WASHINGTON
Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today met with Roy Norton, Minister of the Canadian Embassy, to discuss northern border-related issues including the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and the proposed Cline Mine in British Columbia. “Montana is unique in that it borders more of Canada than any other state in the lower 48 states,” said Rehberg, a member of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus. “It’s vital we stay on top of important borderrelated issues affecting Montana residents. I was able to bring our state’s concerns to the table in my meeting with Minister Norton.” During the meeting, Rehberg discussed the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This Initiative was included as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. It requires that by Jan. 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. “Along Montana’s Hi-Line, many folks’ jobs require they cross the Canadian border several times a week,” said Rehberg. “So, any new regulations to cross the border can be both costly and time-consuming. It’s important to ensure these requirements are reliable and affordable for Montanans.” In 2006, after the General Services Administration (GSA) expressed concerns about the requirement, Department of Homeland Security funding legislation moved the date back to June 1, 2009. In February 2007, Rehberg also raised concerns about the costs and implementation of the Initiative in a letter to Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff. “The government of Canada looks to work with members of Congress who understand the importance of cross-border tourism and trade,” said Minister Norton. “The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, if implemented badly, could be a big disincentive to travel. We hope that in addition to passports, U. S. authorities will accept upgraded alternative documents that prove citizenship.” “This initiative is an important step in bolstering national security,” said Rehberg. “However, without proper planning, the economic impact on Montana’s local communities and tourism industry could be devastating. It’s vital U.S. and Canadian officials provide a better explanation of the costs involved before this program is implemented.” Rehberg also discussed with Norton the Cline Mine, a British Columbian coal mine currently being proposed just north of Glacier National Park. Concerns have been raised regarding the proposed mine’s environmental affects on both the North Fork Flathead River and Flathead Lake. The mine is currently being delayed as Canadian officials conduct a high-level environmental review. “The Glacier area provides some of Montana’s most unique landscapes and wildlife,” said Rehberg. “So, we must do everything possible to ensure this area isn’t being harmed by what’s going on up river. I urge Canadian officials to conduct a thorough review of how this mine will affect the Flathead Basin.”
