Canada and the United States are close to agreeing on a joint policing program that could give U.S. security agencies substantial control of their northern border while deputizing U.S. police agents in Canada. Had the arrangement been in place during last year's G20 events, U.S. police or security officers would have had the authority to make arrests during the demonstrations, warns the Council of Canadians.

The Council is demanding that the Harper government stop its negotiations toward the creation of so-called NextGen cross-border policing units until parliament and the public has had a chance to debate the government's perimeter security action plan, which is expected to be released publicly in the coming weeks.

How the world changes when you leave the borders of North America! Watching Obama from Canada and then from Pakistan is quite surreal!

Part I - view from across the border

Watching Obama win the election last November in Canada I felt emotional, hopeful, excited to see a black American become the next resident of the White House. Given the importance of race in Canada and North America, it was significant to see a black man run for office and win. And yes race is important! It is important if you are Aboriginal, it is important if you are an immigrant of colour, it is important if you are in any way identified as a "visible minority." I should know I have lived it for the past 20 years in Canada.