The following statement was issued and read out at the Kickoff for the “Meet Me at the Border Celebration” in Washington D.C. Mayor Mason and I were invited to speak on the WHTI (passport issue) and the border events we are hosting in the Fort and the Falls………………………..

We…Fort Frances Ontario Mayor Dan Onichuk and International Falls MN Mayor Shawn Mason are terribly disappointed our plane departing International Falls had mechanical failure. We researched many other travel arrangements - to no avail. We are stranded in International Falls and deeply regret we cannot attend this very important event. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to our friends at the Canadian Consulate General’s office for inviting us to partake in this special event. We are hopeful it will become an annual tradition and we look forward to seeing you next year. Living in border communities is exciting. The International Falls and Fort Frances crossing serves as a major port of entry to/from our two countries.We are strategically located in the heart of North America - a significant international trade area.Our communities are dependent upon successful trade and commerce. And while we support the need to ensure safe borders - we believe it’s equally important to balance that with a common sense, efficient, and cost effective identification program. We thank all the Senators and members of Congress who have worked so hard to postpone implementation of WHTI until January 1, 2009. We encourage everyone to continue seeking a citizen identification program that makes sense - and still accomplishes our two nations securities’ goals.We view our sister cities as one community - with citizens depending upon each other economically and socially. We are separated by a 1,000 foot bridge that spans the Rainy River. To give you a few examples of our interdependence and friendships:

We have paper mills on both sides of the border. The Fort Frances mill (Abitibi Consolidated) supplies the International Falls mill (Boise Cascade) pulp to make paper and bark to burn in the boiler. The International Falls mill supplies Fort Frances filtered water and clay as an additive for their paper making process. Natural gas for both communities and companies comes from Canada - with a pipeline located on the International Bridge - to supply the region.

Our police, fire and ambulance departments act as back up for each other.

The United States VFW and the Royal Canadian Legion often partner together on Memorial Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans Day, Canada Day and Independence Day.

Most of our service clubs are International. We are the “home” of the first International Crime stoppers Organization - which was launched in September 2004.

Families span both sides of the border. People share holidays, weddings, funerals, anniversaries on a daily basis. Sister city residents worship in each others churches and attend each others sporting events.

We depend upon each other for other infrastructure. When International Falls implemented a study to determine if they should build a curling rink - the answer was right across the river. Fort Frances has an outstanding rink we “share” with them and the Americans cherish their winter traditions of curling with their Canadian friends. International Falls has an outstanding cinema theater - which is enjoyed by great numbers of Canadians. There are many more examples.

We two Mayors also share something else - we have the same birthday - November 26. Of course, Mayor Mason will be quick to tell you that we do not share the same birth year! He’s older than her. This past November 26, there happened to be a hockey game between the Fort Frances Muskies and the International Falls Broncos - what a rivalry these two teams have! The two mayors dropped the puck - and the loser was to wear the other team’s jersey to the next council meeting. Mayor Mason had the “privilege” of wearing the Muskies jersey. She publicly wished Mayor Dan would have washed it before handing it over.

To celebrate cross border trade, tourism and the friendships between our two communities, we are hosting the “Meet Me at the Border” event Friday, June 30. Some of the events include: Dragon boat races where council will be pitted against council, fire department against fire department….and the list goes on. There will also be a tug of war across the Rainy River where

75 residents from each community will try to pull their counterparts into the Rainy River. Pray for no currents. Everyone wear your life jackets.

Later in the day, there will be a community BBQ at Smokey Bear Park in International Falls - free food, music and fun for everyone! To tap the night off, Fort Frances is hosting a friendship dance at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Once again we do regret we cannot be with you. While you are there, we are on the border, crying in our beer - yet cheering the unique friendships border communities throughout North America enjoy and depend upon.

Mayor, Shawn M. Mason Mayor, Daniel T. Onichuk

International Falls, MN Fort Frances, Ontario