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### Viewing cable 06MONTREAL518, Montreal Outreach on WHTI

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Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
06MONTREAL518 | 2006-05-03 20:08 | 2011-04-28 00:12 | UNCLASSIFIED | Consulate Montreal

`

    VZCZCXRO3209
    RR RUEHGA RUEHHA RUEHQU RUEHVC
    DE RUEHMT #0518/01 1232000
    ZNR UUUUU ZZH
    R 032000Z MAY 06
    FM AMCONSUL MONTREAL
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9666
    INFO RUCNCAN/ALCAN COLLECTIVE

` `

    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.

    ------------------------
    What Quebec has at stake
    ------------------------

    ¶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.

    ----------------------------
    ENGAGING QUEBEC STAKEHOLDERS
    ----------------------------

    ¶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

    MONTREAL 00000518  002 OF 003

    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

    MONTREAL 00000518  003 OF 003

    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.

    -------
    Comment
    -------

    ¶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

`