A North American Security Perimeter Threatens National Sovereignty

Canada and the U.S. have officially launched negotiations on a trade and security agreement which would take continental integration to the next level. A declaration issued by the leaders follows months of secret preliminary talks. The deal would work towards facilitating the movement of travel and trade across the northern border. This includes pursuing a perimeter approach to security in an effort to better address common threats. The agreement sets in motion an agenda with the aim of going beyond NAFTA and further expanding on the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP), but in the context of a bilateral framework.

This new bilateral undertaking is being sold as vital to the safety and prosperity of both countries. Despite claims that it would not result in either side surrendering sovereignty, many concerns remain, especially from a Canadian perspective. Thus far, the whole process has lacked transparency and any input from the public. This has drawn comparisons to the SPP which from the beginning, was shrouded in secrecy and fueled by fears over the loss of sovereignty that ultimately led to its downfall. Any deal which could give the U.S. Department of Homeland Security more influence over Canadian border security and immigration practices, poses a risk to sovereignty and privacy rights. There are also concerns over increased information-sharing with other American law enforcement agencies. A North American security perimeter would be defined and dominated by U.S. interests. It would force Canada to make significant sacrifices in regards to sovereignty which could dramatically change the country forever.

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