I don’t know how much attention you have paid to a series of stories that have been in the national press about Canada-U.S. relations.  Probably the most important story was when the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano repeated the myth that the 9/11 terrorists had entered the United States from Canada. The Secretary wasn’t being malicious; she was just uninformed.

As a Vice-Chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, one of my duties is to work with American congressman and senators and to inform them about Canada. I try to make sure that my American counterparts realize that their actions impact the Canada-U.S. relationship– even when their focus is on other countries. (American border policies aimed at Mexico illustrate this point.)

So how do we deal with the Americans?

First, we always keep them informed. Most American politicians tend to focus on their own domestic issues. Therefore, it is important to get their attention as often as possible.

Second, we don’t threaten retaliation if Americans don’t do what we want.  While it may make people feel good to talk tough, Canada’s economy is heavily reliant on exports, especially to the U.S.  Whatever we do to retaliate against the U.S. will almost always hurt us more than it will hurt them.

Third, we work with Americans who support Canada’s position.  All politics is local. For every business south of the border that wants to keep Canadian competition out, there is another business that wants to import Canadian goods.  Americans who support Canada also vote in U.S. elections–and American politicians want their votes too.

Canada-U.S. trade is very important to our economy. That’s why it is important that we be smart about this special relationship.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt.  You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.