Sept. 17 — While most of the controversy about trade with the United States’ North American neighbors has centered around Mexico, trucking on the Canadian border has been attacked in the last week, as well.
South Dakota state troopers were scheduled to stop and inspect shipments of Canadian grain and livestock coming into the state starting yesterday. The action is intended to send a message urging U.S. officials to ensure fair trade between the two countries, according to Gov. Bill Janklow. American farm products shipped into Canada must undergo more extensive inspections than are required for products crossing the border in the other direction, he says.
Montana farmers Saturday called on their own governor to support the South Dakota move. Canadian officials are questioning the legality of the move.
Meanwhile, critics say Canada’s federal government isn’t addressing problems caused by a massive increase in truck traffic and trade with the United States. Business and government officials met last week in Ontario, Canada, to discuss the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on the flow of goods along the continent’s trade corridors. Delays at border crossings and overburdened highways were common complaints.