Montreal Outreach on WHTI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 MONTREAL 000518

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CMGT CPAS CASC KTRD KPAO PREL CA
SUBJECT: Montreal Outreach on WHTI


1. Summary. The visit of DHS US-Visit Director Jim Williams and
Department of States Ann Barrett, Managing Director of U.S.
Passport Services, gave post an opportunity to get our message
about WHTI out to a number of influential audiences and
journalists in Montreal. Exports to the U.S. are extremely
important for Quebecs economy. In 2004, exports to the U.S.
accounted for $57 billion, or 27% of the provinces GDP and 82%
of its international exports. A recent study by Quebecs
Ministry of Development found that one fifth of all jobs in
Quebec are tied to international exports, of which an
overwhelming majority are destined for the U.S. Given the
the
immensity of this economic relationship, Quebeckers have been
anxious about the impact of WHTI regulations on their exports to
the U.S., on their tourism industry, and on their close social
and cultural ties. Mr. Williams and Ms. Barrett heard a broad
range of concerns and queries from Canadian and American
stakeholders in Montreal, dispelled misconceptions about WHTI,
and underscored the U.S. aim to increase security and prosperity
in North America. End summary.

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What Quebec has at stake
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2. Quebecs exports to the U.S. ($57 billion in 2004) far
outstrip its exports to the rest of Canada (valued at $40
billion). A recent study by Quebecs Ministry of Development
found that one fifth of all jobs in Quebec are tied to
international exports, of which an overwhelming majority are
destined for the U.S. An average of three million Quebeckers
visit the U.S. each year. At the Champlain-Lacolle Port of Entry
try
alone, some 365,000 tourists cross into Quebec from New York
State. Montreal alone had 1.28 million visitors from the U.S. in

2003. In 2004, more than 1.8 million trucks crossed the border
between the U.S. and Quebec; some 64% of all the trade in goods
between the U.S. and Quebec were shipped by truck. Given the
immensity of this economic relationship and the substantial
portion of the Quebec economy that hinges on its U.S. ties,
Quebeckers have expressed concern over the potential economic
impact of WHTI. In an October 2005 letter, Quebecs contribution
to the public comment period of the proposed rulemaking of
WHTI, Premier Jean Charest noted that although the Government of
Quebec fully supports the underlying objectives of the WHTI, it
remains very concerned about the negative impact that the WHTI,
in its current form, will have on trade, tourism, and the daily
lifestyles of thousands of citizens in border communities in both
the United States and Canada.

ada.


3. An oft-quoted study by the Conference Board of Canada,
released in July 2005, forecasts that the WHTI will result in a
loss of 7.7 million trips from the U.S. to Canada between 2005
and 2008, but does not account for the impact that the
appreciation of the Canadian dollar and higher gas prices have
had on peoples decisions to travel. The Conference Board study
forecasts that the WHTI requirements will significantly hurt the
profitability of the tourism industry, with U.S. citizens
currently accounting for 2/3 of foreign tourism spending in
Canada. Press reports in the Montreal Gazette noted that
political leaders in many U.S. states that border Canada are also
worried about the impact of the new documentation requirements,
and will form "important allies" in Canada's fight to "restore
sanity to border security." Even though new land border
documentation requirements won't start to be phased in until the
end of 2007, the Conference Board study claims that many people
assume that new documentation requirements are already in place
and, since "they can't be expected to consult a lawyer before
making a day trip to Montreal or Vancouver, some now figure that
a trip to Canada isn't worth the hassle." In addition, Quebec
Ministry of International Relations' personnel have also
indicated to Consulate officials their concern for a lack of
information from the Canadian Federal government regarding
Canadian plans. Since the provinces have responsibility for civil
and identity documents (other than passports),provincial
officials said they would welcome any collaboration to be able to
better anticipate what will be required, if anything, on their
part, and to ensure its compatibility with U.S. requirements.

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ENGAGING QUEBEC STAKEHOLDERS
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4. Jim Williams and Ann Barrett came to Montreal to address an
April 27 event of the Border Trade Alliance, a non-profit
organization that advocates policies and initiatives to improve
border affairs and trade relations in North America. The Border
Trade Alliances board of directors recently approved a
resolution on the implementation of WHTI that calls for the
consideration of alternatives to the U.S. Passport and the PASS
card for border crossers, such as the BCC; FAST, NEXUS, and

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SENTRI cards as well as the possibility of deadline extensions
in order not to hinder efficient travel. At the Border Trade
Alliance event, Mr. Williams and Ms. Barrett discussed WHTI
implementation, stressed the USGs commitment to strengthen
security without compromising trade and legitimate travel, and
fielded questions about the likelihood that FAST and NEXUS cards
would be accepted at land borders after December 31, 2007.
Participants inquired whether and how DHS and STATE planned to
get the word out to potential travelers about the PASS card or
other acceptable travel documents. Williams and Barrett called on
ed on
the business leaders to help provide accurate information and to
be involved with finding the solution to make cross border
movement more efficient and secure through WHTI.


5. During a lunch at the Consul Generals Residence with Quebec
government and tourism industry officials, there was vigorous
discussion of how WHTI would be implemented and what stakeholders
needed to be involved in ensuring both Americans and Canadians
were kept informed. A Canadian Department of Transportation
official mentioned renovations at the Champlain-Lacolle Port of
entry, scheduled for completion in 2008, which will increase the
number of truck lanes to nine and ten passenger lanes, including
a bus lane and a NEXUS lane (there are currently four truck lanes
and six passenger lanes.) These renovations, he said, combined
with more streamlined procedures at the border under WHTI, stand
to actually improve the flow of traffic at the border and reduce
chokepoints that hinder trade and stall tourists. Tourist
industry representatives were interested in outreach initiatives
to ensure that the public was aware of the new requirements and
how to meet them. Steps taken by the State Departments Passport
Office were of particular interest. At the end of the day, the
tourist industry itself will have to take a leading role in
informing its clientele, even if they be across the border.


6. At a meeting with 17 economic stakeholders, Mr. Williams and
Ms. Barrett dispelled misconceptions about WHTI and affirmed
their commitment to increase security and prosperity in North
America. From a Quebec municipal government official from the
Champlain-Lacolle border area concerned about the impact of WHTI
on cross-border fire fighting, to a representative from Duty Free
stores at the border who has taken to handing out passport
applications to her customers, the WHTI spokespersons heard from
a broad range of the concerns and queries from Canadian and
American stakeholders in Montreal. The mayor of Stanstead, a
a
small border community in Quebec, asked if DHS and State had
considered the possibility of offering exemptions for senior
citizens crossing the border. Many of my constituents are over
65, and they are worried about these new border regulations.


7. Three media events were organized to reach general Quebec
audiences a roundtable with print journalists, a TV interview
with Radio-Canada/CBC, and a radio interview with the Montreal
all-news station 940AM. Media play from the visit, although
buried beneath the softwood lumber deal, offered factual,
positive coverage of WHTI. The press roundtable included
journalists from three leading Montreal newspapers and as well as
news service Canadian Press/Broadcast News. The two leading
Montreal French language dailies, La Presse and Le Devoir,
published articles clarifying the timeline and the goals of WHTI.
Under the headline American officials on Operation Charm, La
Presse quoted Mr. Williams as saying the USG goal is to catch
tch
terrorists, illegal immigrants and criminals, and to make
crossing the border faster and easier for legitimate travelers,
and as recognizing the unique border relationship The last thing
we want to have happen is for someone to cancel his/her trip
because he/she does not have a passport. Le Devoir emphasized
the PASScard, its potential features, its advantage over drivers
licenses/birth certificates for establishing citizenship and
identity, and its potential to facilitate, not hinder, crossing
the border.


8. The Canadian Press posted article, picked up by the Winnipeg
Free Press, focused on Mr. Williamss acknowledgement that the
USG was aware of confusion over the regulations and had
concerns about the economic impact of the initiative, but the
article did not capture the larger context that DHS and State are
striving to protect our borders without compromising economic
prosperity or tourism. The English daily The Gazette chose not to
not to
publish this time but the journalist commented he found the
meeting very useful and will use the contents in future articles.
Radio-Canada/CBC Ottawa political correspondents interview of
Mr. Williams played positively to French speaking audiences on
its newscast and its prestigious current affairs program, Le
Point. In addition to the same themes covered by the print media,
Radio Canada/CBC honed-in on the issue of privacy concerns. We
understand Radio-Canada/CBC plans to use the taped interview for
a more in-depth program. Finally, Montreals all-news radio
station asked for comment on the fears of businessmen/tourism
industry to which Mr. Williams again clarified the timeline and

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emphasized the facilitation factor of the potential PASScard.
940AM aired interview segments throughout the day.


9. The April 26 efforts in Montreal built on outreach already
conducted by Consulate Quebec City. Quebec Citys Consul
Strudwick and Consular Assistant Maciagowski discussed WHTI with
with
eleven representatives of Quebec travel agencies and tourist
boards. Individuals from the Quebec Ministry of International
Relations (MRI) and large international tourist operators, such
as cruise ships, were aware of the changes; the others had only
incomplete information and had paid only occasional attention to
the issue. Operators of US-bound tour buses reckoned they would
be badly hurt by the new rules, since many of their customers
make last minute travel plans. Post underlined the objectives of
the WHTI, and pointed out the advantages to many Canadian
travelers of securing a passport now, rather than wishing for a
reversal of the new requirements. Quebec City is planning
additional meetings with local stakeholders to raise awareness of
WHTI and to get feedback on what is happening on the ground.

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Comment
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10. Prime Minister Harper had initially pledged to work with the
U.S. to find a mutually agreeable solution to border crossing
documents. However, more recent statements in late April by
Canadian Public Security Minister Stockwell Day maintaining that
Canada would not consider a new border crossing card in lieu of a
passport have left many Canadians confused about the ultimate
impact of WHTI and Canadas approach to the issue. Although the
GOC appears to have accepted the reality of WHTI, many
stakeholders in Montreal continue to oppose it. In both press
events, the issue of privacy and what type of information would
be kept surfaced though it was not included in print or radio
reports. We expect this to remain a central concern for
Canadians with regard to WHTI. Mr. Williams and Ms. Barretts
Montreal speaking engagements left audiences with the message
that by reducing the number of acceptable documents and making
use of RDIF and other smart-card technology the WHTI offers an
opportunity to improve border security while speeding up border
crossing and increasing trade. Reductions in tourism could be
e
minimized by keeping the public on both sides of the border aware
of documentary requirements. Quebec Consulates outreach efforts,
combined with more similar future visits by DHS/State teams will
help to improve understanding of WHTI and minimize any
disruptions to travel and trade.

CA/PPT Ann Barrett did not have the opportunity to clear this
cable.

SHEAFFER