Armed Mountie to keep an eye on U.S. truck inspection pilot project

OTTAWA – A newly released agreement says an armed RCMP officer will be present at all times during a Canada-U.S. pilot project for pre-inspecting truck cargo.

The federal government says the measure is a reminder that Canadian law continues to apply even though gun-toting American inspectors have set up shop north of the border.

In the first phase of the cargo pilot project, which got underway in June, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are working in Surrey, B.C., to conduct preliminary inspection of truck shipments crossing into Blaine, Wash.

The pilot project is part of a Canada-U.S. perimeter security pact aimed at ensuring the swift flow of goods and people across the 49th parallel while bolstering overall North American defences.

The American officers, though permitted to carry guns, are limited to pre-inspection duties — initial questioning of truck drivers to determine the admissibility of goods to the U.S. — and do not have power to enforce Canadian or U.S. criminal laws.

A memorandum of understanding on the project, released to The Canadian Press by Public Safety Canada, says an armed Canadian police officer is to be stationed in sight of the pre-inspection booth at all times.