Taking us for granted
Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. discusses uncertain trade relationship with P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan
Canada’s ambassador to the U.S. wants to remind Washington of the important relationship the country to its north has with its southern neighbours.
David MacNaughton, who is meeting with provincial governments all across the country, met with P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan and his cabinet in Charlottetown Tuesday morning.
“We have to make sure on both sides of the border we understand just how much we are integrated in our culture, people, services and, of course, the merchandise trade.” P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan
MacNaughton says Americans take Canada for granted because trade, security and military relationships work so well between the two countries.
“I think the premier said there’s almost $1 billion worth of goods exported from P.E.I. So it’s really important that we not only understand what’s going on in Washington, but (that) I get a really good sense of the importance of trade to each of the provinces,” said MacNaughton.
“The premier was giving me examples of how P.E.I imports things from the U.S. and fabricates them here and exports it either to the U.S. or to Third (World) countries.”
MacLauchlan said the meeting was a good opportunity to discuss the evolving Canada U.S. relationship and the ways they can work together and ensure the relationship is healthy and continues to grow.
“One of the important points in our discussion was the importance of telling our story so that there is a real comprehension of how we create value together,” said MacLauchlan.
The premier added about 80 per cent of P.E.I. exports is food.
“That’s food on American tables. It’s value for the American consumer, and much of it is created or value is added through partnerships with American firms who invest and have operations on P.E.I.”
It’s a two-way street that goes well beyond merchandise, MacLauchlan said.
“We have visitors back and forth. A very important part of the tourism industry and our summer resident population consists of people who’ve been coming here from the U.S. for generations. They’re in effect Islanders in an honourary sense.
“We have to make sure on both sides of the border we understand just how much we are integrated in our culture, people, services and, of course, the merchandise trade.”
MacNaughton said it’s important that this message not only be delivered in Washington but right across the U.S.
“We’re going to have some difficult discussions. But certainly we’ve established a really good working relationship with the Trump administration right out of the starting gate and I think it will provide benefits for us in the long term.”