View From the Legislature

Last week I had the opportunity to again co-chair the Midwest U.S.-Canada Relations Committee on behalf of the Midwest Legislative Conference. After a decade of serving as the co-chair of this committee, I have chosen to make way for a new Canadian co-chair so last weeks meeting in Columbus, Ohio was my last in that role.

The Midwest U.S.- Canada Relations Committee is made up of eleven midwestern States and Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. It meets regularly to both discuss and provide, where possible, united input on issues that are important to the Midwest. Over the years these issues have ranged from border security, a new U.S. – Canada free trade agreement, country of origin labelling and the BSE (mad cow disease) crisis, to name just a few. During my time as co-chair I have been honoured to work alongside many Canadian and U.S. legislators on the committee and in particular with my U.S. co-chairs, beginning with Indiana Senator Ed Charbonneau, then Ohio Speaker of the House Robert Cupp and most recently Michigan Representative Amos O’Neal.

During the past decade there has been much discussion on the increase in political division that we are seeing in our two countries. Yet, despite increasing partisan divides, the division that we see within each country has not extended between our countries. Regardless of the differences that exist on matters of cross border importance, Canada and the U.S. remain strong allies, friends and business partners.

It is a relationship that we sometimes take for granted. There is a strong familiarity that has developed over the years between our countries. This is fostered by more than just economic ties. Residents across the border are connected through family, through regular visits and vacations and through competitions such as amateur and professional sports.

Despite sharing a border that stretches 5,500 miles long (43% of it being water), the way in which both people and goods move across that expansive border has generally remained efficient over the years while still responding to the importance of security. Last year in Detroit, we were able to see how the new Gordie Howe Bridge would improve that movement and this year ideas were shared on how to ensure that law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border could work together to reduce cross border crimes such as human trafficking.

While much of the media attention is often focused on the relationship between the sitting President and Prime Minister of the day, the reality is that many of the problems and opportunities are worked out at the sub-national level between provinces and states. That shouldn’t be a surprise because the economic relationship is so strong and enduring at that level. In fact, for ten of the eleven midwestern states, Canada is the top export destination for their goods and services. In 2023 alone, approximately $117 billion of goods from midwestern states came to Canada and $177 billion was shipped to the U.S. When it comes to energy, Canada supplies the United States with almost 60% of its crude imports, more than the rest of the world combined.

The Canada- U.S. relationship is unique among neighboring countries. And while it remains strong it is not something to be taken for granted. It has been an honour to serve on a committee dedicated to keeping that relationship strong for the benefit of our respective citizens today, and in the future.