A report from Washington's Government Accountability Office (GAO) says both the departments of State and Homeland Security have "a long way to go" before the plan can be implemented. The report says both agencies have yet to take critical decisions on how to move the proposal forward.
The report is bolstering the efforts of those who are seeking a delay in implementing the new border rules, which are due to take effect Jan. 1, 2008. Groups representing the travel industry fear the measures will seriously harm tourism between Canada and the U.S., while industries that rely on cross-border trade, such as the auto industry, fear long lineups at the border will throw their production schedules into disarray.
President George W. Bush is facing mounting pressure from Congress to delay the plan. The U.S. Senate has called for a 17-month delay, but the House of Representatives has yet to agree.
The GAO report says the departments involved have not figured out which technology to use for the border cards, or whether they will replace two existing card systems for frequent travelers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he has expressed concern about the proposal to the U.S., but says Canada must be prepared in the event the plan goes ahead as scheduled.
