U.S. business groups demand ID card
studyFebruary 14, 2006
(CP)
Some American legislators and business groups are demanding a major analysis of potential economic losses that would result from requiring a new identity card at the Canada-U.S. border.
Opponents of the card say it can’t go through without an extensive look at the costs to tourism and commerce, and they’re hoping the results may push the U.S. administration to take a route less onerous on travellers.
“We support security and finding ways to make it more efficient,” said Michael Palmer, head of the Student and Youth Travel Association in Clarkston, Mich.
“But no one’s told us how much it would really cost and how it would work,” he added. “What this might do is point to what could or should be done.”
Michael Donovan, head of Visit Canada in Portsmouth, N.H., said it’s unlikely officials could even provide cards to everyone who might need them in less than two years.
“They’re going to have to look at alternatives.”
The United States ditched plans last month to require passports in favour of developing a new security card, at about $57 (U.S.) or half the cost, starting later this year.
Americans crossing back from Canada at land crossings would have to produce one by Jan. 1, 2008. And Ottawa likely will be forced to produce its own version to avoid the passport requirement for Canadians.
But tourism and business groups on both sides of the border say the new card still would curtail a tremendous amount of casual travel and hurt communities where people routinely cross to work, attend school, and play on sports teams.
The Canadian Tourism Commission estimated new security rules could cost Canada more than $2 billion in lost revenue each year and result in 3.5 million less trips south by Canadians.
That would mean a direct tourism loss for the United States of $667 million over four years, said Democratic legislators Louise Slaughter and Bart Stupak, who formally have requested an in-depth analysis.
Tourism companies say the U.S. security initiative already is having an impact because many people mistakenly believe they need a passport or are confused about the whole issue.
“Conventions are already stopping,” said Palmer. “Tour bookings are already being affected. We don’t know what to advise our people.
“You’re talking about putting a wall up for a whole generation of kids.”
Ryan Burles, vice-president of Black Ball Transport, which provides ferry service between Victoria and Port Angeles in Washington state, said business was down 10 percent in 2005 and he largely blames the U.S. security regulation.
There should at least be an exemption for youths under 16 years old, he said.
About 50 organizations and businesses from both sides of the border are lobbying legislators on Capitol Hill this week in a bid to get the United States to go with an alternative, like a more secure driver’s licence.
Congress already has passed a bill to standardize state-issued licences, they say, and they’ll require proof of citizenship just like the proposed travel card.
Post your comment here!
U.S. business groups demand ID card study - 2006-02-14 15:17:23 - Immigration Dept's of US and Canada should provide Citizenship stickers ide...
Comments are the property of their respective authors. The Fort Frances Times is not responsible for them in any way, and reserves the right to remove any comments it deems offensive or inappropriate.
Newest Top Stories from February 15, 2006
Mayor pushing
for more clinic consultations
Occasional
secondary teachers plan sanctions
Alberton
council split on funding for RRDFC
Point park to
get new playground equipment this year
Unions stage
LHIN protest
Board still
fine-tuning plans for new library
Townships get
new handi-van
First wave of
OFSAA passes sold out
Court teams
gear up for playoff run
Muskie boys
double Eagles
New business
aims to detoxify, revitalize the body
Sick baby back
in hospital
Conference to
focus on child witnesses
 | ||||||
 | ||||||
 Stage
strutting Members of the VALA Follies performed the “Stray Cat Strut” on Saturday during the matinee presentation of the variety show held at the Townshend Theatre. More... | ||||||
|
| ||||||
| ||||||
 | ||||||
 Water,
sewer rate hike approvedFort Frances residents will see a slight difference on their next sewer and water bill after town council passed a bylaw Monday night approving a two percent increase to rates for all classes. More... | ||||||
|
Get the Times News Headlines by Email! | ||||||
 |
©2005 Fort Frances Times
Ltd. All Rights Reserved.