Reaching a Tipping Point: Effects of Post-9/11 Border Security on Canada’s Trade and Investment

Maintaining and enhancing secure, predictable access to the United States economy has been a long-standing objective of Canadian leaders. This report—a joint project of the Conference Board’s Centre for National Security and International Trade and Investment Centre—assesses whether new border security policies adopted after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, jeopardize that access.

Drawing on almost 60 interviews and extensive statistical analysis, the Board finds that the cumulative effects of post-9/11 border policies have neither reduced Canadian export volumes to the U.S. nor increased border delays. However, this new border environment has resulted in important costs for many companies. This may make it less attractive to locate plants in Canada in the long term.

The new border environment can represent opportunities, however. Some companies have gained a competitive edge by investing in new border security programs to fast-track cargo. The report offers recommendations to maximize these benefits and minimize the costs of the post-9/11 border reality.

This report was produced by the Conference Board’s International Trade and Investment Centre that examines the implications of global economic dynamics for Canadian business and governments leaders. More on the Centre’s research, events, and membership