Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Last year, the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and its Centre for Trade Policy and Law formed an expert panel to consider how Canada could best defend its interests through more productive relations with the new Obama government and Congress in Washington. That blueprint reflects our discussions and offers suggestions to Canadians, governments, both national and provincial, for the development of a bilateral program for sustained engagement. Here are our conclusions.
The time for re-engagement is opportune. First, the international financial crisis requires rapid and sustained cooperation. The interconnections between the financial and manufacturing sectors of the two countries, the problems in the automotive sector, for example, would cause any effort directed at purely Canadian situations to fail.
It is particularly important for Canada to be bold and confident to make the best of its unique position next door to the United States. The solution lies in leadership and mutual respect. Personal relations between the heads of government are essential to any good relationship. This has been emphasized a number of times by our American counterparts. The Prime Minister will first of all have to propose to the President that we re-establish annual summits. The agenda is clear, but we must move beyond the incrementalism and irritants management that have characterized the recent past and focus on an integrated and mutually beneficial agenda of major unresolved issues. That means that the most pressing bilateral problem will be to rethink how we manage the North American economic area, energy security and sustainable development; to “rethink” the border; to adopt a single regulatory framework applicable to both sides of the border; and to increase joint regulatory capability.
We believe that Canadians are ready. According to the surveys—and I know that Frank Graves was here—Canadians are generally comfortable with a relationship that works to their benefit and are prepared to support government efforts to gain greater economic and security benefits. There is already a broad range of transborder institutional contact at the federal level. There are also hidden connections between the states and the provinces, particularly between premiers and governors, between businesses and between parliamentarians. That can reinforce national goals and objectives.
The founders constructed the American system on what James Madison called competing interests and public passions. Traditional diplomatic practice was its ritual and protocol.
Relying on the State Department, and occasionally the executive branch, to look out for interests is neither sufficient nor relevant to our circumstances. To advance and defend Canadian interests in a relationship that daily grows more “intermestic” requires a permanent campaign, with a role for all.
As parliamentarians, you have a place in standing with your fellow legislators, members of Congress in both the House and Senate. Congress is the source of most of our problems, sometimes by design, on issues like lumber, beef, and the requirement for passports, but just as often as collateral damage, on trade action directed at others but affecting Canada because the relationship is so close.
As head of the advocacy secretariat in Washington, I worked with the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group co-chairs, MPs Greg Thompson and then Rob Merrifield, and always, Senator Jerry Grafstein.
I was delighted to see the administrative change allowing parliamentarians to include Washington in their travel authority. If I haven't asked today, I would ask that you extend this to all the United States, so you can also visit members in their districts. At its heart, successful diplomacy is all about relationships. In the American context, elected officials share a special experience. Your role is vital and important, and I cannot emphasize enough the value of the work you can do legislator to legislator.
In conclusion, we think it is possible to make major progress with full confidence in our partnership on important issues for Canadians and Americans. The only question, we feel, is whether there is a will to take the initiative and stick with it.
Crisis creates opportunity. Changes are already in motion, be it in the financial sector or in the auto industry. The Obama administration has opened the door, which Canadians can turn into a smart partnership that will move our relationship with the United States to a new and rewarding level.
Once again, Canadians can work with Americans as architects and engineers for new or renovated bilateral and global institutions. Protectionist forces are on the rise in a Democratic House and Senate, and the severity of America's economic crisis can easily lead to flailing that hurts those closest to the flying elbows.
The new President's sense of nuance and his true international concern are still untested and, in large measure, unknown. He's declared himself to be a citizen of the world, but given the pressures on him, we do not know yet how much attention he will be able to devote to the neighbourhood.
Events only underline the need for national leadership, initiative, and a permanent campaign, with parliamentarians playing a key role. The stars are in alignment: Canadians have a comfort level with Obama, and there is consensus among the provinces and on the part of business for engagement with the United States.
Geographic propinquity and a global network reflecting our pluralism gives us a unique sensibility and perspective on international relations. This intelligence is valuable diplomatic currency, especially in Washington. Played adroitly, we can realize for Canada a unique place and standing in a world where the rest want to know what America is thinking and America really wants to know and cares about the rest of the world.
In doing so, we can realize a smart partnership with the United States that we can play to national advantage and benefit. In fact, we must. With over three-quarters of our trade going to the United States, and our prosperity dependent on trade, anything less than a successful partnership will quickly be felt across the country. That should provide us with a sense of focus and determination that easier times might not require.
Merci, monsieur le président.