FBI International Security Meeting Held In Toronto
Posted July 17, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Ironically, the message at the first ever-annual FBI training conference held outside the United States, was that border security needs immediate attention.
Delegates from nine countries and a total conference of crowd of 2,000 law enforcement workers met in Toronto Monday, to hear a speech delivered by Attorney General Vic Toews.
Toews told delegates Canada and the United States are “shining examples” of co-operation but all countries need to work together to fight international crimes like terrorism and drug shipping.
“More and more, we realize there are crimes and illicit activities that do not respect borders such as terrorism and the movement of illegal drugs and guns,” he said.
“We need to work together. Canada, the United States and other nations must combine their efforts. In a world where crimes and jurisdictions overlap, it is important to develop a comprehensive approach to public safety.”
Another speaker, U.S. ambassador to CanadaDavid Wilkins, said while borders are important they shouldn’t apply to law enforcement efforts between neighbours.
“There are only brothers and sisters,” he said. “You learn from each other and make each other better.”
“Heroes aren’t athletes or movie starts,” Wilkins said. “Heroes rush into burning buildings and into harm’s way.”
Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair added holding the meeting in his city with representatives from all around the world will go a long way in improving relations.
“There has to be a free-flowing exchange of information between us to keep our respective communities safe,” Blair said.
The remainder of the event, which wraps up Wednesday, features closed-door sessions covering a range of issues from bioterrorism and cross-border security to international auto theft and child exploitation.
Other noteworthy attendees include FBI director Robert Mueller and Maj.-Gen. Lewis MacKenzie.
