TORONTO, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada and the United States (U.S.) enjoy one of the closest trade relationships in the world. This trade interdependence supports economic growth and millions of middle class jobs on both sides of the border. The Government of Canada is working closely with the U.S. Administration to strengthen what is already a robust Canada-U.S. bilateral partnership.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, held their first face-to-face meeting today in Toronto. They discussed shared priorities and underlined the importance of agricultural trade for both the Canadian and American economies and the competitiveness of the sector.
During the meeting, Minister MacAulay emphasized the balanced, highly integrated, and mutually-beneficial agriculture trading relationship between the two countries. He committed to working with U.S. Secretary Perdue to keep this agricultural trading relationship strong and growing.
Quote
"I look forward to working closely with Secretary Perdue and the new U.S. Administration to further strengthen our important agricultural relationship. Canada will continue to develop our ties with the U.S. in areas including trade, science, regulations and the environment. I'm confident that we can reinforce this relationship in a balanced manner, allowing us to boost farmers' bottom lines and create good, middle class jobs on both sides of the border."
- Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
- Canada and the U.S. are each other's largest trade partner for agriculture and food, with bilateral agriculture trade reaching CAD$62 billion (USD$47 billion) in 2016.
- Canada-U.S. trade supports millions of middle class jobs on both sides of the border.
- Canada is the top agriculture export market for 29 states.
- NAFTA has quadrupled agricultural trade in North America over the past 25 years.
Associated links
Canada-United States Bilateral Agricultural Trade
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Contacts: Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972
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