Released on March 13, 2017
Premier Brad Wall is travelling to Iowa this week to promote the critical importance of Canada’s and Saskatchewan’s trade relationship with the United States.Wall will visit Des Moines, the state capital, on Wednesday March 15 to take part in a “Canada Day at the Capitol” program organized by the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis.
The trip comes as a result of discussions with Prime Minister Trudeau. Wall offered Saskatchewan’s assistance in engaging with the United States at the national and state level.
The Prime Minister asked the Premier to represent Canada in Iowa, along with Andrew Leslie, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Foreign Affairs (Canada-U.S. Relations).
“Canada and the United States have forged one the most successful economic partnerships the world has ever seen,” Wall said. “Millions of families on both sides of the borders benefit from trade. Now, more than ever, we need to actively promote the advantages of trade and point out the dangers of protectionism. We must be vigilant in protecting our shared prosperity.”
“I look forward to the discussion Premier Wall and I will have with Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and other representatives in Des Moines,” Leslie said. “Iowa counts Canada among its top trading partners, and last year, Canada-Iowa trade was almost $6 billion. This cross-border integration allows our farmers and manufacturers to be more productive and to maximize the economic benefits to the middle class in both our countries. Our fair, balanced and integrated relationship is creating jobs, growth and prosperity – from small border towns to large coastal communities and into our respective heartlands.”
During the trip, Wall will highlight the $1.4 trillion trade and investment relationship between the two countries and speak to the value of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
His itinerary includes meetings with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds and remarks to the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives. Wall will also participate in a roundtable discussion with state agricultural organizations and speak at an evening reception attended by 200 business, government and academic representatives.
Canada is the United States’ largest customer, accounting for $266 billion U.S. worth of imports last year. Our country is the number one customer for 32 states, including Iowa, which shipped $3.4 billion U.S. worth of exports to Canada last year. An estimated 100,000 jobs in Iowa depend on trade and investment with Canada.
Saskatchewan exporters shipped $355 million U.S. worth of goods to Iowa last year, primarily potash, oats, canola oil and live swine. Iowa in turn shipped $363 million U.S. worth of products, primarily agricultural equipment, to Saskatchewan in 2016.
“The United States is Saskatchewan’s largest export market and that economic relationship is critical to maintaining a strong Saskatchewan economy and contributing to the one in five Saskatchewan jobs that depend on international trade,” Wall said. “Missions like this one are important in nurturing relationships with key U.S. decision makers and reinforcing the mutual benefits that derive from trade, investment and co-operation.”
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927