Harper in Washington for Border Talks with Obama

The two leaders are expected to sign a framework agreement on harmonizing border procedures to maximize security and trade.

Barack Obama will take a break from trying to ensure the Middle East doesn’t collapse today to meet with Stephen Harper for key border talks. The U.S.-Canada border has been “thickening” since the 9-11 attacks, with security concerns increasingly hampering trade between the two countries. Details of any proposed border deal have been scarce, but some observers believe the goal is to create a North American security perimeter that would see Washington and Ottawa cooperate to keep terrorists off the continent while significantly lessening border restrictions. Such a deal would facilitate trade, but critics say it would involve handing over information about Canadians to U.S. officials and raise significant privacy and sovereignty concerns.