Canada’s Innovation Minister holds first face-to-face meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary

May 2, 2017 – Los Angeles, California – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, yesterday met for the first time with his United States counterpart, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

The following statement summarizes what they discussed at their meeting in Los Angeles:

Minister Bains highlighted to Secretary Ross the enormous benefits that have resulted from the close integration of the U.S. and Canadian economies. This bilateral partnership creates middle-class jobs for millions of Americans and Canadians. An estimated 9 million jobs in the U.S. depend on trade and investment with Canada.

Canada also buys more from the U.S. than any other country—including the European Union, Mexico, China and Japan. We are the number one customer of the majority of American states and among the top three customers of 48 states.

Minister Bains stated that the unfair duty imposed on Canadian softwood lumber would increase costs for U.S. families that want to build or renovate homes. And he stressed that any thickening of the border would have a negative impact on jobs in both countries. Minister Bains indicated that he would strongly defend Canada’s interests and stand up for middle-class jobs on both sides of the border.

Minister Bains concluded the meeting by stating that he looks forward to further collaboration with Secretary Ross in the future.