Doer Looks at Border Issues

Canada's Ambassador to the United States has agreed to look into how Canada can make it easier for Americans with minor convictions to cross the border.

Gary Doer was questioned about the policies now carried out at Canada's borders during his visit Friday to International Falls.

He agrees it vital to growing Canada's tourism industry.

"There's going to be more and more tourism dollars and anything that is stopped is a loss opportunity," says Doer. "But it won't be simple on some of the stuff that's black and white, but on some of the other stuff it can be faster."

Area tourism officials says millions of dollars have been lost because of Americans being turned back at the border for minor convictions, some decades old.

Doer also talked about the importance of maintaining a strong cross-border relationship.

Doer notes Canada is the largest importer of goods from the U.S. and is the largest exporter of oil to the States.

The following is Doer's opening remarks at Friday's luncheon.