U.S. Police Apologize For June 18 Breach Of Canadian Sovereignty

Dear Ms. Thompson:

Thank you for your e-mail of July 11, 2003, concerning the incident that occurred at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel on June 18, 2003. The Honourable Elinor Caplan, Minister of National Revenue, has forwarded to me your e-mail on the same issue. I regret the delay in replying to you.

I would like to assure you that law enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States recognize the importance of respecting each other?s national sovereignty. Our bilateral cooperation on border issues has been excellent and we continue to work together, via the Smart Border Process, to develop appropriate strategies that will address security issues at our common land border.

I agree with you that the incident at Detroit-Windsor Tunnel on June 18 was unfortunate. The Michigan Department of State Police offered us an immediate apology and recognized the seriousness of the incident. They also assured us that they will be taking appropriate actions to ensure that future incidents of this nature are avoided. We have accepted their written apologies and do not believe that it is necessary to press this issue any further at this time.

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns with me. Be assured that this was an isolated incident and that cooperation at the border between Canadian and U.S. officials continues to be excellent.

Sincerely,
Bill Graham

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It may not be a public inquiry, but I'm personally satisfied that at least there was an apology and assurances that this sort of thing will not happen again. I count that as a victory.

- Susan

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