DHS chief talks with Canadian counterparts

OTTAWA, Ont.–U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson concluded Tuesday a two-day trip to Ottawa, where he met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and members of his cabinet to discuss anti-terrorism cooperation and ongoing implementation of the Beyond the Border initiative.

Beyond the Border is a three-year-old bilateral effort led by Harper and President Obama to improve North American economic growth, and streamline border processes to facilitate trade and harmonize regulations.

Among the programs discussed was a truck cargo pre-inspection pilot at the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Fort Erie under which U.S. Customs officers check commercial vehicles on Canadian soil to reduce wait times, reported American Shipper.