How do the similar cultural and economic environment of the united states and canada help to keep people and goods passing easily from one country to the other?
The U.S. and Canada trust each other. However, in the last two years, Canada has required a passport from everyone, including Americans, coming into the country. The U.S. has similar requirements.
http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadatraveloverview/qt/uscitizenborder.htm
To understand how the similar cultural and economic environment of the United States and Canada help to keep people and goods passing easily from one country to the other, we can examine a few key factors:
1. Trade Agreements: The United States and Canada are both parties to several trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has recently been updated to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These agreements foster economic integration and aim to reduce trade barriers, making it easier for goods and services to cross the border.
2. Similar Legal Systems: Both the United States and Canada follow a common law legal system, which provides a foundation of shared principles and legal practices. This similarity simplifies the legal framework for cross-border business transactions and reduces the complexity that could otherwise impede the movement of goods and services between the two countries.
3. Comparable Standards and Regulations: The United States and Canada have aligned many of their product standards and regulations, particularly for sectors like automotive, agriculture, and manufacturing. This convergence eliminates the need for significant adjustments in production and helps ensure that goods produced in one country meet the requirements of the other, facilitating easier cross-border trade.
4. Shared Language and Culture: English and French are the official languages of Canada, while English is the predominantly spoken language in the United States. This linguistic similarity facilitates communication between individuals, businesses, and governments, reducing barriers and enabling the smooth passage of people and goods.
5. Integrated Transportation Systems: The United States and Canada have extensive road, rail, and air transport networks that are well-connected, enhancing the efficient movement of people and goods. Cross-border agreements and investments have further improved infrastructure and logistics, making it easier to transport goods across the border with minimal disruption.
6. Harmonized Border Procedures: To facilitate the flow of people and goods, the United States and Canada have implemented harmonized border procedures, such as pre-clearance programs and trusted traveler/trader programs. These initiatives help streamline border checks, reduce wait times, and expedite the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
In summary, the similarities in culture, economic environment, legal systems, standards, language, and well-integrated transportation systems between the United States and Canada create a favorable environment for easy passage of people and goods. Trade agreements, shared legal principles, comparable regulations, and harmonized border procedures all contribute to the seamless flow of trade between the two nations, promoting economic integration and cooperation.