Premier Ford Set to Engage with Key U.S. Partners

Premier attending National Governors Association’s Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The Voice of Canada News:

Premier Doug Ford departs for Washington, D.C. to connect with trade partners from across the U.S. at the National Governors Association’s Winter Meeting.

“The Ontario-U.S. partnership is one of the greatest in the world. I look forward to meeting face-to-face with U.S. political and business leaders to talk about how we are making Ontario open for business,” said Ford. “Building relationships, promoting trade and being open for business are crucial to supporting and creating good new jobs across Ontario.”

While in Washington, Premier Ford will forge closer ties with key partners including his Governor counterparts and will participate in a series of roundtable events with U.S. business leaders and his fellow Canadian Premiers. Discussions will centre on the impacts of the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and shared goals to reduce regulatory and trade burdens.

“Heading to D.C. is a great opportunity to talk about how we can work with our friends and neighbours to grow our economies, support businesses and create good jobs on both sides of the border,” said Ford. “We are breaking down barriers and getting rid of regulatory gridlock to make Ontario the best partner to do business and trade with for years to come.”

QUICK FACTS

In 2017, two-way merchandise trade between Ontario and the U.S. totalled CAD$390 billion — 55 per cent of all Canada–U.S. trade.

Ontario is the number one trading partner for 19 states and number two for nine others. If Ontario were a country, it would be the third-largest U.S. trading partner.

Nearly 9 million American jobs depend on Canada-U.S. trade and investment and close to 400,000 people cross the U.S.–Canada border daily.