Critical Courtesy

In an exhibition of sweet civility and courtesy the Bush administration went out of its way to be helpfully useful to the incoming Obama administration. Staff at the White House were instructed to extend themselves on behalf of the incoming Democrats. Laura and George W. Bush extended personal warmth and welcome to Michelle and Barack Obama in introducing them to their new quarters.

The transference of authority and the grace of courtesy extended were comforting and bespoke of great civility. A kindness nicely reciprocated when, after the solemn, joyful and auspicious inauguration of the 44th president of the United States of America, the new president and his new vice-president and their spouses went out of their way to extend the courtesy of farewell to the departing Bushes.

All the more notable because the day was fraught with tensions of the nation's business requiring attention, while at the same time, the nation celebrated its great good fortune in anticipation of a brand new future offering hope and security. America's neighbours look on in the hope that some of that good feeling may come their way, too.

As a result of the growing apprehension of risks to both countries from terrorism, and the illegal importation of banned substances and questionable products, it would be wise for the two countries' leaders to appoint high-placed officials to launch or re-launch a special partnership reflective of the comfort of relationship of two close and trusting neighbours.

Trusting? Well, perhaps not so much, of late. Passport and entry regulations, border delays, mandatory cargo data requirements and newly instituted border inspection-provision costs have burdened both individuals and businesses alike in both nations. Tourism from the U.S. to Canada has withered, as authorities in the U.S. point to Canada as the potential link from which terror suspects may invade their border.

That suspicion is injurious on many levels, not the least of which is our shared past history, where Canada has demonstrated time and again, her liking for and support of American values, while clinging to her own. And then there's the extremely vital subject of cross-border trade. Roughly 75% of Canadian exports make their way across the border to the U.S.

Employing hundreds of thousands of Canadians, and the reverse is also true; millions of American jobs are dependent on the long-standing free and open trade agreements between the countries. Canada exists as the largest foreign market for the U.S.; taking in roughly one-fifth of all U.S. exports, exceeding those going to the combined EU-China market.

The two countries also collaborate on intra-industry projects. The North American automobile industry is intertwined between the two countries, benefiting both greatly. We've thrived economically, on our mutual dependence. And then, security issues raised the misery of shuttering the borders to delays and passports and additional entry regulations.

We can do a whole lot better than what currently prevails. Common courtesy, one country to the other demands it, as close neighbours. Trust and civility can and should be restored. Homeland Security has proven to be the bane of our co-existence. Time to look for alternate, viable options.