SASKATCHEWAN WANTS ESTEVAN-NOONAN OPEN LONGER HOURS

Released on September 17, 2003

Saskatchewan and North Dakota have called on their respective national governments to keep the Estevan-Noonan port of entry open from 9 a.m. to midnight.

"We believe the cost of maintaining two additional hours of operation daily is pale in comparison to the negative impacts on citizens and retail businesses," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Longer hours will strengthen the entertainment, food service, recreational and retail sectors, and improve access to medical care and other essential services."

Premier Calvert and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven co-signed and mailed a letter outlining their mutual concerns to Ottawa and Washington on September 15th. The two leaders agreed to take action last week.

The federal governments of Canada and the United States traditionally mirror hours of operation at their ports of entry. Hours of operation at the Estevan-Noonan port of entry were recently reduced by two hours in response to tightened security following 9/11.

"Well over 4,000 people from the region have signed a petition opposing the reduction in service," Calvert said. "We join local residents in their efforts to keep the border open."

The Estevan-Noonan border crossing is located on North Dakota Highway #40 and Saskatchewan Highway #47.

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For More Information, Contact:

Rob Cunningham Media Services Regina Phone: (306)787-6349