Statement from Minister Goodale on his visit to Kentucky

January 5, 2018 - Frankfort, Kentucky - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, made the following statement to conclude his visit to Kentucky:

“Canada and Kentucky share one of the most economically important bilateral relationships in North America, with a long history of trade and partnership. Over the past few days, I travelled to the cities of Louisville, Frankfort, Crittenden and Lexington and had productive discussions on additional ways Canada and Kentucky can work together to increase trade and job opportunities.

“During this trip, Matt Bevin, Governor of Kentucky, and I discussed the strong economic ties between Canada and his state. The annual trade between Canada and Kentucky stands at US$10.9 billion per year, and more than 112,000 jobs in Kentucky are supported by Canada-United States trade and investment.

“I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Craft, United States Ambassador to Canada and a Kentucky native, and with Kentucky business and community leaders, who shared their ideas on the ways to build upon the productive and valuable relationship between Canada and the United States.

“I also had the opportunity to meet John Tilley, Secretary of the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet in Kentucky, to discuss public safety issues of interest to both Canada and Kentucky, including efforts to combat the opioid crisis and joint law enforcement programs. I met with Ryan Quarles, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, to discuss agricultural trade relations and the upcoming Kentucky trade mission to Canada. Finally, I spoke to the board members of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on the Canada-United States economic relationship, the North American Free Trade Agreement and Kentucky business opportunities in Canada. During my visit, I highlighted Canada’s status as Kentucky’s number-one trading partner, our stable business climate, our highly educated and skilled workforce and other reasons that make Canada an ideal destination for American companies to grow their businesses.

“I would like to thank Governor Bevin, Ambassador Craft, Secretary Tilley, Commissioner Quarles, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the people of Kentucky for their hospitality. I look forward to continuing discussions toward increasing trade and business opportunities in Canada and Kentucky.”

Related products

• Remarks on trade by Minister Goodale to the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

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