18 December 2007
Ambassador Wilkins Discusses U.S.-Canadian Issues
USINFO Webchat transcript, December 14
U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins participated in a December 14 USINFO Webchat on U.S.-Canadian relations.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
USINFO Webchat Transcript
Ask the Ambassador: U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins
Guest: U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins
Date: December 14, 2007
Time: 3:00 p.m. EST (0200 GMT)
Webchat Moderator: Welcome to "Ask the Ambassador: U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins". The Ambassador is looking forward to discussing with you a range of issues on Canada – U.S. Relations, including issues of importance in the bilateral relationship; upcoming WHTI travel regulations; improving security and facilitating trade and tourism at our shared border. The Ambassador will participate live and looks forward to discussing these or other issues with you.
Question [Maureen]: Hello, I would like to ask the Ambassador if there are plans to have immigration interviews, for IR and CR visa types take place in any consulate(s) in Canada, other than Montreal. The travel distance for those of us in Western Canada is very inconvenient and expensive and with the backlog in Montreal it takes between 4 and 6 months to get an interview. Thank you, Maureen Marshall, Calgary.
Answer [Ambassador David Wilkins]: While we recognize the expense and inconvenience for persons having to travel long distances for their final immigration interview, the U.S. establishes a single office in each country to process the immigration cases originating in that county. There are no plans to change this. For the foreseeable future all such cases will go through the U.S. Consulate in Montreal.
Webchat Moderator: Welcome to those of you just joining us. The Ambassador is reviewing your questions now.
Q [George]: Greetings, my name is George Childs and I am a Canadian citizen (senior 66 yrs. young). I inadvertently overstayed my allotted time in the U.S. while visiting my Fiancé (an American Citizen). Upon attempting another visit I was told by Border Patrol that I would have to establish "A Legal Presence" in order to enter. We are to be married here in Canada within one week and wonder if that would allow me entry while we work on my Visa from within the U.S.A.? We really hate being apart. Thank You in Advance, George Childs and Georgiana Guy
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: Because you have established a legal residence in Canada and provided such proof to U.S. border officials, you should have no problem entering the U.S. Marrying a U.S. citizen will not affect your admissibility and is not an issue - at this point. Once you come to the U.S. with the stated intent to marry a U.S. citizen, you must file the appropriate paperwork with Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and you will not be able to leave the U.S. while that application is still pending - unless you apply for and receive an I-512 'Parole' from USCIS which would allow you to travel back and forth. I hope this information helps, and congratulations on your pending marriage!
Q [JOEL]: Thank you for taking my question. Canada is currently one of the few NATO countries with troops operating in the volatile southern sector of Afghanistan. With the increasing levels of violence there, will Canada continue to support those operations or will domestic political pressure force Canada to scale back its commitment or to increase its national caveats? A related question is how Canada views the lack of support from other NATO members, with the exception perhaps of the U.S., UK, NL, and DK?
Respectfully, JOEL R. HILLISON
Colonel, U.S. Army US Army War College/Department of Distance Education
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: First let me say that the United States and all freedom-loving countries appreciate the major role that Canada has played in Afghanistan as part of the UN sanctioned NATO mission. Any decision to extend the current mission is solely within the purview and responsibility of the Canadian government. Prime Minister Harper has previously stated that the question on whether or not to extend the mission will be submitted to Parliament for a decision. U.S. officials as well as Canadian officials have in the past expressed their disappointment with the lack of support by some of the NATO partners in Afghanistan.
Q [John]: Sir, I address you realizing that you represent only one part of the equation. But since the Windsor-Detroit border crossing is the major transportation link for the free trade supply of goods and since some 16,000 trucks utilize that corridor every day, and since the issue has been and is being studied and accessed by many agencies representing the two nations, two state/provincial governments, and at least two municipalities. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO EXPEDITE THE FINAL DECISION AND SUPPORT IMMEDIATE REMEDIES?
This has been an issue for at least 10 years and promises continue to be made. It is also a concern that the current bridge is privately owned and perhaps any new construction will also be privately owned. Even if the private sector could manage and produce better results, there should be a strong accountability and control system by governments in place. Such an international link begs the question as to why the two governments cannot legislate and expropriate said property so that these… [lost text]
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: John, thank you for your question. Although your question was cut off, I believe you are asking questions regarding eminent domain, I think it’s premature to talk about that. In the Detroit-Windsor area, a bilateral process involving Canada, the United States, Ontario and Michigan will, early in 2008, make a determination about where to locate an additional crossing between our two countries, and it is expected that by 2013, that new crossing will be built and in operation.
Also, at this time, several Senators and Representatives from the United States Congress have introduced legislation to examine the scope and impact of wait times of northern and southern points of entry and authorizing additional inspectors at the borders. I am confident that with new infrastructure and personnel will facilitate bilateral travel and trade.
Q [esteban]: Dear Ambassador, how could be -- improved our NAFTA, in the case of Mexico? What I can see is a still huge inequity. Probably Canada is closer to what USA expectations of partners needs to be.
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: Your question implies that NAFTA's goal is to raise Mexico's level of economic development. NAFTA is a trade agreement, so it can do a lot, but it can't fully resolve large differences in development levels among the three NAFTA members of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. The NAFTA members have put a lot of thought into what direction to go after its tariff cuts are fully implemented. One approach would be to extend trade liberalization to other countries in the hemisphere. This was the premise behind the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) initiative, which has not made much progress so far.
Another way is to improve NAFTA through relatively modest, regulatory and security measures which are individually small, but add up to significant improvements in prosperity and security. That's what the Security and Prosperity Partnership, started in 2005, is trying to accomplish. The NAFTA partners are also discussing how to improve trade in certain sectors, such as swine, steel, consumer electronics, and chemicals. And there is talk about starting an initiative on pharmaceuticals.
Q [Ontario]: Mr. Ambassador. Thank you for being so proactive and getting out to visit with so many Canadians. You've been on the job a couple of years now, what are your impressions of Canada?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: You are correct in that I have been traveling extensively in my two and half years in Canada. Now having traveled over 200,000 miles from coast to coast and having visited every province and territory in Canada many times over. It is the privilege of a lifetime to represent my country in your vast and beautiful country. During my travels I have met, listened to, and learned from Canadians of all walks of life. I have found Canadians to be warm, friendly, genuine, and very knowledgeable of their neighbor to the south. The U.S. and Canada, in my opinion, share the greatest relationship the world has ever known. And it is comforting, I believe, to all of us to look across that border and see not only our neighbor, but also our friend and ally, now and in the future.
Q [Jennifer Pellegrini]: My name is Jennifer Pellegrini and I am the tourism reporter at The Review, the daily newspaper in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. My question is about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Since the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security announced WHTI in 2005, our tourism industry – largely dependent on U.S. day trippers and short-stay visitors from the so-called "rubber tire market" – has continually declined. This has happened in part because of external forces, such as the cost of gas and the decline in the U.S. dollar. But confusion over documents required at the border has been cited as a major reason why Americans are staying home. Can you tell us, decisively, what the drop-dead date for the passport requirement now is (we have heard everything from Jan. 31, 2008 to mid-2009) or if that is now off the table entirely as legislators continue to look at enhanced drivers' licences as a more favourable option?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) passed by the U.S. Congress in the fall of 2004 requires that all citizens traveling from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to the United States have either a passport or a secure document as approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This requirement is to be implemented by DHS between January 2008 and June 1, 2009. The air portion of WHTI was implemented in January of 2007 and went very smoothly. Secretary Chertoff of DHS has indicated that he has every intention of having the land/sea portion of WHTI implemented in late summer or early fall of 2008. That would mean that after that date, those traveling to the U.S. from Canada would have to have a passport, NEXUS card or other approved document.
DHS is working with officials in Canada to allow enhanced drivers licenses (eDL) which would contain the same information as a passport to also be used as a secure document. Several states and several provinces are working with their respective governments to implement such documents; it is anticipated these documents would not be ready for issuance until well into 2008. Obviously, WHTI was passed by the U.S. Congress and could be rescinded or amended by the U.S. Congress.
However, the best advice that I have been giving to both my Canadian and U.S. friends is to get a passport. I can tell you that U.S. citizens are getting the message. Presently 90 million U.S. citizens have passports and they are being issued in record numbers. More than 18 million U.S. citizens were issued passports in 2007 and we anticipate another 27 million will get them in 2008.
Webchat Moderator: The Ambassador continues to review your questions. Thanks for your patience!
Q [kuba]: How does U.S. and Canada respond to accusations at Bali conference regarding obstruction of climate change action?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: The United States did not obstruct action on climate change in Bali. We went to Bali with a high-level delegation to work with all others to agree on a roadmap for negotiations under the UNFCCC for a post-2012 arrangement that will address climate change and strengthen energy security. We want to conclude these negotiations by 2009. Simply put, our objective is to find a new path forward to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a way that sustains and fosters economic growth, and enables countries to continue to deliver greater prosperity for their people. We want a post-2012 regime that will be global. To attract global participation, it must be flexible. We want the world’s largest economies, including the U.S., to be part of the arrangement. It must provide for mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (to the impacts of climate change), and increase access to innovative technologies, especially for developing countries.
Q [Webchat Participant]: Further, can you indicate whether the U.S. government will be taking a second look at the Shared Border Management Plan at the Peace Bridge, between Buffalo, N.Y., and Fort Erie, Ontario. Thank you.
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: I know of no ongoing negotiations between our two countries regarding this matter at this time.
Q [Kuba]: Hi sir, can u tell me your favorite part of being ambassador?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: Webchats. And other ways of connecting to Canadians!
Q [Wiley]: Why does the Embassy want Canada to adopt the U.S. copyright legislation?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: There are several models for copyright in the digital age, including the approach taken by the United States. But, it is up to Canada to come up with an approach suitable for Canada. We do not yet know what will be in any new bill, but we are optimistic that it will complete Canada’s ratification of international rules on the internet to bring its intellectual property rights regime into the digital era. We are also pleased by Canada’s efforts to criminalize illegal camcording in theaters.
Q [Christine Vallée]: I 'm just a tourist and customer of the States since more 30 years. Last November when i went to see my friend i was deported for 5 years because last winter i worked on the beach to learn English. At the border the officer found the restaurant card in my purse, he called the owner and he confirmed that i worked around 2 months for him at 3.00 an hour. I had a real bad treatment at the border, and i feel that it's a real strong measure for what i did and wanted to know what i can do. i want to go again, many friends live there and i'm very sad about this situation.
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: Unfortunately, you violated the immigration laws of the United States and that creates a problem for you for many years to come. You will be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility in the future.
Q [Rick Bartholomew]: Hi, my wife is Canadian. She just had her interview. Can she come to New York to visit while she waits for her green card to be mailed?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: Please contact the U.S. consulate in Montreal to discuss the details of your situation. We simply don’t have enough of the facts to fully respond. Please contact the U.S. consulate in Montreal to discuss the details of your situation. We simply don’t have enough of the facts to fully respond.
Webchat Moderator: There are many questions coming in for the Ambassador. We appreciate your patience!
Q [Jan S]: Foreign Service and how they reacted when asked to volunteer in Iraq?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: They responded to the call for volunteers, and we understand that all positions in Iraq will be filled with volunteers.
Q [Webchat Participant]: I wanna get canadian visa, plz tel how i get it?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: Contact the Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate nearest you.
Q [Jean West]: Mr. Ambassador, the Security and Prosperity Partnership seems to be an addition to NAFTA, bringing the three countries closer together in areas such as security, environment, and trade. Can you speak about the next steps for the SPP and also how the SPP relates to cultural exchange between the three countries?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: At the Montebello meeting in August, the Prime Minister, President Bush and President Calderon of Mexico laid out a work plan for next steps in the SPP process. These include work on preparing contingency plans in case of an avian flu outbreak, reducing regulatory barriers in order to promote trade and strengthening intellectual property protections, and cooperation in energy, science and technology in North America. Various government groups, in collaboration with the private sector, are working on specific proposals to address these goals. The next North America leaders meeting will take place in the United States next year.
Q [Ontario]: I hear the rules to travel to the U.S. are getting tougher in January, what's the next phase in your thickening of the border?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: First of all, I disagree with your terminology. I believe that the steps being taken will make the border smarter and more efficient and will facilitate trade and travel, not impede it. As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, such as a passport or a government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship (ex. a birth certificate).
Q [Joe]: Will the U.S. be paying Canada a toll to pass through the Northwest Passage when it becomes usable?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: In point of fact, the United States and most other countries in the world share the view that the Northwest Passage is a strait used for international navigation. The United States and Canada have strong cooperation in the Arctic in a wide range of defense, security, safety, environmental, and scientific activities.
Q [Webchat Participant]: Will the U.S. recognise the Northwest Passage as Canadian Internal Waters?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: The United States and most other countries in the world share the view that the Northwest Passage is a strait used for international navigation and are not part of Canadian internal waters.
Q [Ontario]: I see a lot of fuss in the press about copyright legislation, why should Canada adopt all of those international rules?
A [Ambassador David Wilkins]: In 1998, Canada ratified and agreed to international rules governing the internet. It needs to pass legislation to implement this commitment.
Thank you for participating in today’s web chat. I wish you and your families Happy Holidays and all the best for 2008!
Webchat Moderator: We wish to thank Ambassador Wilkins for joining us today. The webchat is now closed. Please visit our USINFO Webchat Station homepage for more information on upcoming events. A transcript of today’s discussion (usually posted within one business day) will be available on our web site.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
