Government of Canada enhances trade relations with U.S. Great Lakes states

Minister Bains meets with officials from Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region during two-day trip to Michigan

DETROIT, April 26, 2017 /CNW/ - The economies of Canada and the United States are tightly intertwined. By continuing to work together, both countries will be better positioned to compete globally.

The link between Canada and U.S states in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region is particularly important. To build on this relationship, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development undertook a two-day trip to Michigan.

During his visit, Minister Bains delivered remarks at the Great Lakes Economic Forum, an event that aims to improve the competitiveness of Canada and U.S. states in this region. Minister Bains also met with business leaders, trade association representatives and state officials, including Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Ohio Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor.

Minister Bains highlighted opportunities for the U.S. and Canada to develop cross-border research and development opportunities. He also pointed to opportunities to strengthen value chains in the chemical, automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Minister Bains said the Government of Canada supports free trade and is committed to developing a progressive trade agenda that will ensure its benefits are widely and fairly shared.  

Quote

"Our government strongly believes that international trade and investment mean economic growth and prosperity for both Canada and the United States. The link between Canada and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region states is particularly important. Our cross-border trade in this region is so intertwined that Canada is the number one customer for Michigan and the seven other Great Lakes states. Nearly 2.3 million men and women working in those states occupy jobs that depend on America's relationship with Canada. Our government will continue to work with our U.S. partners to make sure we continue to create more well-paying middle-class jobs on both sides of the border."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region is a bi-national region that includes the states of New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as the province of Ontario.
• In 2016, 68 percent of Canada's trade was with the United States.
• Canada is the number one trading partner of most U.S. states.
• In 2016, bilateral trade between Canada and Great Lakes states totalled over $236 billion.

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada