Quebec and New York to work to enhance homeland-security efforts

April 16, 2008 04:00 am

— ALBANY -- Quebec and New York have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance homeland-security efforts.
The New York State Office of Homeland Security announced Quebec Minister of Justice Jacques Dupuis and New York State Deputy Secretary for Public Safety Michael Balboni signed the agreement, which calls for the two to share strategies and successful practices, most notably through an Intelligence Analyst exchange program and joint training exercises.
Balboni said New York and Quebec share more than just a border, they are connected economically and culturally and united in the fight of crime and terrorism.
"This agreement will add to our relationship by sharing information and resources. In today's world, the best intelligence provides the best protection," he said.
Dupuis said the agreement shows Quebec's willingness to work with New York to fight crime and terrorism, and will allow both parties to better understand security issues on both sides of the border.
"We will also find it easier to give direction to our actions in the field of public security," he said.