CROSS-BORDER CRIME FIGHTING URGED

TORONTO - Terrorists and drug smugglers know no borders and neither
should North American law enforcement agencies, Attorney General Vic
Toews told a conference of 2,000 law enforcement delegates gathered
in Toronto on Monday.

Delegates from nine countries are attending the annual training
conference held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's national
academy -- the first time the event has been held outside the United States.

Toews told delegates Canada and the United States are "shining
examples" of co-operation but all countries need to work together to
fight international crime.

"More and more, we realize there are crimes and illicit activities
that do not respect borders such as terrorism and the movement of
illegal drugs and guns," he said. "We need to work together. ... In a
world where crimes and jurisdictions overlap, it is important to
develop a comprehensive approach to public safety."

Toronto police chief William Blair said gathering police from all
over the world in one place builds relationships that improve security.

"There has to be a free-flowing exchange of information between us to
keep our respective communities safe," he said.

Conference delegates will participate in closed-door sessions on a
range of issues, from bioterrorism and cross-border security to
international auto theft and child exploitation.