HALIFAX, N.S. – Two major Canadian ports recently took the first steps towards creating a harmonized security system with their American cohorts.

Port officials from Halifax and Montreal met to discuss tracking systems that trace goods from overseas factories, to final destinations.

With the eastern cities acting as gateway ports into the northeastern U.S., officials on both sides of the border need to work together on tightening security, says George Malec, vice-president of operations at the Halifax Port Authority.

Currently, 17 per cent of the 500,000 containers that pass through Halifax every year are destined for the U.S. Only three per cent are examined by port inspectors.

The U.S. Operation Safe Commerce, tracking cargo moving into North America, was looked at.