Statement in the House of Commons
Wednesday, April 2^nd 2003

Canada-US Relations

Ms. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to acknowledge the special relationship between Canada and the United States, a unique partnership that has a long and colourful history, that is always respectful of each other's jurisdictions, principles and values.

I speak about that relationship today as it very much reflects how we regard each other. Canada does 87% of its trade with the United States. We want to ensure that those economic opportunities continue.

Thousands of Canadian jobs depend on the U.S., just as American jobs rely on Canadian trade and industry. We are important to each other in many other ways.

Our success as a nation is built on relations with our neighbours, with all our trading partners and with our allies, as well as our role on the world stage.

The relationship between Canada and the United States is shaped by a deep friendship and understanding. Let us not forget our closest southern neighbours and what we mean to each other.