U.S.-Canada Cooperation Agreement Signed

[See photos]

Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky and Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Michael F. Kergin on June 1 signed an “Agreement for Cooperation in Science and Technology for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Border Security” in Washington, D.C.

The agreement will enable the United States and Canada to use science and technology (S&T) more effectively in responding to new types of threats. Conceived after the tragic events of 9/11 and underpinned by the “Smart Borders Initiative,” the Agreement creates new mechanisms to help our countries work together to protect common infrastructures and strengthen the security of the common borders.

Under the Agreement, U.S. and Canadian agencies will be able to conclude technical cooperation agreements more expeditiously. They will be able to carry out exchanges of information, material, and equipment, including classified exchanges. Intellectual property created under the Agreement will be legally protected and shared. A number of such technical arrangements are already under discussion between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Canadian agencies. This bilateral Agreement represents a significant new departure for using international science and technology to serve basic security and social interests. Entering into force upon signature, the agreement is legally binding under international law. As an Executive Agreement, Senate approval is not required.

The Agreement is wide-ranging and permits virtually any kind of useful S&T cooperation related to critical infrastructure protection and border security. By bringing the best minds in both countries together to address common problems, we will not only get better solutions, but the solutions will be compatible with our various systems from the outset and will save resources. The agreement is not restricted to government agencies only.  Private universities and research organizations can also work as participants in government-approved activities.

The parties will cover the costs of their respective activities under the agreement. They may also agree to share costs, subject to Congressional appropriations. Each side will appoint an Agreement Manager responsible for overall policy direction and an Agreement Supervisor in charge of day-to-day activities.

The agreement will shortly be available at www.state.gov/g/stas/ or at www.state.gov/g/oes/.

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