Why U.S./Canada cooperation matters more than ever
“Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.” — President John F. Kennedy
As former presidents of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, we've witnessed firsthand how nonpartisan cross-border collaboration can transform challenges into mutual opportunities that transcend political differences. Since 1991, PNWER has championed cross-border partnerships to enhance the economic interdependencies that span the 10 states, provinces and territories of our bi-national region.
The success of PNWER’s work is made possible by giving the region’s public and private sectors a seat at the table – governments, businesses, Indigenous leaders, nonprofits, academics and community stakeholders – to unite across borders and solve common challenges. Collaboration is at the heart of PNWER, enabling our region to advance practical solutions that create long lasting benefits for us all.
We are disheartened by the potential erosion of the U.S.-Canada relationship that comes with the threat of tariffs. Our successful history of trust, mutual respect and cooperation must not be shattered by a failure to engage in good faith with one another. Through world wars, terrorist attacks, economic downturns, trade disputes and a global pandemic, we have worked and fought side by side to address challenges and have grown stronger as a result.
The U.S.-Canada trade relationship is woven into the fabric of each of our economies. This historic partnership shares the world’s largest and most comprehensive trading relationship, with nearly $2.7 billion USD worth of goods and services crossing the border each day. These products support some of the industries we rely upon most, such as food, energy, manufacturing and agriculture. Millions of jobs for both Americans and Canadians are dependent on this incredible partnership. In the spirit of the 2020 United States - Mexico - Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA), we must protect the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and work together to honor the agreement during the upcoming review process.
As neighbors, our two nations have built a prosperous and exemplary relationship that is the envy of the world. We must not take this relationship for granted. The Pacific Northwest Economic Region demonstrates the power of this relationship – how a bridge between states, provinces, territories, industries and sectors can drive real growth and solve shared challenges together. Recognizing that our common interests outweigh our differences, we encourage our nation’s leaders to embrace this model of collaboration.
Over three successful decades, PNWER has proven that the way forward lies in reaffirming our commitment to collaboration, fostering consistent, open dialogue between public and private sectors, and strengthening the bonds that have united our countries for 150 years.
Our nations face real challenges today. Let’s face them together – as neighbors and friends – to preserve and strengthen the most successful bi-national partnership in the history of the world.
LESIL McGUIRE, Alaska
MEL KNIGHT, Alberta, Canada
CURT McKENZIE, Idaho
ARNIE ROBLAN, Oregon
Chuck WINDER, Idaho
MIKE CUFFE, Montana
RICK GLUMAC, British Columbia, Canada
DAVID COUTTS, Alberta
JEFF MORRIS, Washington
BARRY PENNER, British Columbia Canada
FRED DYSON, Alaska
ROB RENNER, Alberta, Canada
JOHN VAN DONGEN, British Columbia, Canada
GEORGE ESKRIDGE, Idaho