Canada/U.S. Relations: The Future

December 11, 2003 Cross-border security; international crime; the burgeoning illegal drug trade; softwood lumber; NAFTA at 10 years old-there are many mutual cross-border issues and opportunities that impact our important relationship with the United States here in the Pacific Northwest. His Excellency Paul Cellucci, Ambassador to Canada, Embassy of the United States, gave an update today on a number of important issues that affect both our economies, particularly here in B.C. Dale Pope, Q.C., Davis & Company, introduced Cellucci as a "lawyer by profession, a politician by choice, and a diplomat by appointment." Cellucci began by acknowledging The Board of Trade as a "very serious forum for the discussion not only of regional issues, but national and international issues as well." "The relationship we have with Canada is the most important relationship the United States has in the world, when you think of it in terms of impact on the day-to-day lives of ordinary U.S. citizens," the ambassador said. That relationship translates into millions of jobs and livelihoods in Canada and the U.S. and, along with our common border and the millions of border crossings each year, it's easy to recognize the importance of the relationship between the two countries. Cellucci spoke about a number of goals that Canada and the U.S. share in the international arena, such as the war on terrorism. "As we review the threat intelligence that we receive on almost a daily basis, this co-operation is now more important than ever, and we are grateful for the co-operation we receive from Canadian law enforcement intelligence," Cellucci said. Among the other common objectives for the two countries is a focus on building international prosperity. "We want to help lift people out of poverty. this is in our economic interests, but it's also in our security interests," said Cellucci. "When you have a country like Afghanistan was, where people have no voice, no hope or opportunity, it's easy to see where that country became a breeding ground for terrorist camps and terrorism." Cellucci emphasized the importance of creating a climate for investment and trade.

Yet another goal shared by Canada and the U.S. is the need to ensure a reliable supply of energy in North America. "It's in our interests, and Canada's interests, and Mexico's interests, that we complete the integration of the North American energy mines," said Cellucci. He applauded Premier Campbell's initiative to develop B.C. 's vast resources in an "efficient and environmentally sensitive manner." The international boundary between our countries is an artificial division between interdependent people and commerce. With trade between our nations amounting to over $1.5 billion Canadian daily, we can't ignore the importance of a mutually supportive and constructive relationship between our countries. We cannot let the border get in the way of economic progress and our huge friendship with the U.S. It is time to make the border transparent.

We at The Vancouver Board of Trade are supportive of initiatives that will help our members trade easily, frequently and profitably with the U.S.

This content was provided courtesy of the Vancouver Board of Trade. To read more related articles, go to www.boardoftrade.com.