SENATOR COLLINS MEETS WITH CANADIAN PREMIER TO DISCUSS MAINE-NEW BRUNSWICK RELATIONS & PRIORITIES

Washington, DC -- Senator Susan Collins met with New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord today to discuss issues of importance to the state of Maine and the province of New Brunswick, Canada. Topics of the meeting between Senator Collins and Premier Lord included the Calais-St. Stephen border crossing, the implementation of facilitation programs such as NEXUS and FAST, and enhancement of North American competitiveness through economic partnerships and trade corridors. They also addressed possible solutions to the concerns of Frenchville residents about the disturbing odor that is generated from a fertilizer manufacturing plant across the border.

"Premier Lord and I had a productive meeting, and were able to address a number of issues that are priorities for each of us and the regions we represent," Senator Collins said. "Canada is Maine's number one trading partner, making it imperative that we protect the security of our nation's borders while maintaining the free flow of commerce and travel to and from the United States. That is why I will continue to monitor a number of programs – including FAST and NEXUS – that would facilitate trade between Maine and Canada. I also reiterated my commitment to improving the transportation system at the Calais-St. Stephen border crossing, America's eighth busiest crossing."

"We also discussed possible solutions to the air pollution problem that has been negatively affecting the residents of Frenchville for the past two years. The persistent odors from the Oullet Agri fertilizer manufacturing plant in New Brunswick are unfair to the residents of Frenchville, and cause many of them to avoid spending time outdoors," Senator Collins said. "I am hopeful that the U.S. and Canadian governments will work together to quickly resolve this issue."

Senator Collins has been working to resolve this issue, asking the U.S. Ambassador to Canada to investigate the air pollution problem plaguing the residents of Frenchville and work with the Canadian Government to resolve this issue. As a result, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and officials with the New Brunswick provincial government are studying the situation to ensure that the plant is operating in compliance and to determine if the regulations are still adequate given the recent complaints. Further, the Embassy assured Senator Collins that it would continue to monitor the situation.

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