Ontario, Michigan officials discuss homeland security

Jim Flaherty, Ontario's Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation, will be in Lansing Tuesday to discuss homeland security issues with his Michigan counterparts.

The following is the full text of a news release issued this evening:

***************************************************************** TORONTO, March 24 - Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation James Flaherty will meet Tuesday in Lansing, Michigan, with state officials responsible for homeland security and economic development.

The minister will also meet with key state legislators and business leaders to pledge support for the fight against terrorism.

Flaherty was asked by Premier Ernie Eves last Thursday to work with U.S. officials to secure safe and efficient border clearance of people, goods and shipments.

Flaherty will meet with:

- Captain John Ort, Michigan Director of Homeland Security, at the Michigan State Police building, 4000 Collins Road (8:30-9:00 a.m.)

- David Hollister, Director of Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services, at G. Mennen Williams Building, 525 West Ottawa, 4th floor (9:30-10:00 a.m.)

- Richard Studley, Senior Vice-President (Government Relations), Michigan Chamber of Commerce, 600 South Walnut Drive (10:30 - 11:00)

- Representative Rick Johnson (Republican - Speaker of the Michigan House) and Senator Ken Sikkema (Republican - Majority Leader in the Michigan Senate), at 166 State Capitol Building (12:30 - 1:00)

"Michigan is our number one trading partner in the U.S.," Flaherty said.

"Strengthening this relationship is vital to our economy."

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