I don't think we should confuse training and the carrying of a security clearance card. They're not exactly the same issue here.
We have a different process, unfortunately, in Canada. In the U.S. the security clearance is stamped right on. When you're hauling hazardous materials it's included in the driver's licence. We do not have that process here because our system is different, so we don't have the ability to attach a security clearance to the driver's licence. That's one thing that's different between our two countries. An American coming to Canada already has evidence that he's been trained and has security clearance.
That's one answer; we don't really need to duplicate that process.
With regard to the security training, as I said, under the C-TPAT agreement our carriers that employ drivers who carry dangerous goods into the U.S. must have a security program for their employees, and they must be trained. Now, the issue is simply one of what's going to happen in the interim, unless we get complete reciprocity. Are we going to have acceptance of each other's system, or are we going to have to duplicate the situation? Will a driver who's hauling dangerous goods within Canada who also goes to the U.S. be required to have a clearance for hauling those goods within Canada and another clearance for hauling those goods into the U.S.? I think not. And no extra training should be required.
The programs that are already in existence should be allowed to continue to exist and act as surrogates for whatever is going to be the ultimate process in Canada.