End US Border Protectionism

I was going to post something about this soon (I flew into Canada from the US yesterday), but then I saw this from the Fraser Institute today: End penny-pinching protectionism at the border

If Canada’s (mostly) free trade Conservative government wishes to persuade more consumers about the virtues and benefits of free trade, give them the non-punitive experience of choice between U.S. and Canadian retailers—that, and a more pleasant, hassle-free experience at the border.

Read the whole thing because Mark Milke is a better writer than I am, so I won't completely restate his case.

I just wanted to add that I think it is absurd that we have mostly free trade for businesses, but not for individuals trying to cross the border. I actually find it easier to get into the United States for travel than to come back into the country that I am a citizen of, which strikes me as odd. The Canadian government can either remove the duty on non-commercial shopping or at least expand the personal allowances. I'm sure the lost revenue from charging people small amounts for going a bit over the limit would be more than made up for by not requiring as many guards. It would also make the border crossings quicker for both personal and commercial travel.