I differ with you to some extent, in that the United States remains Canada's largest trading partner, the most significant market for many businesses, and over 70% of Canadian businesses continue to choose the United States as their first export destination. Geography matters. We're fully cognizant that the reliance and the work that Canadian companies are going to be doing will involve the relationship with the United States. Look at defence, for example. We have a situation in which much of the defence industry is integrated with its U.S. counterparts.
Recognizing that the U.S. remains Canada's largest trading partner, we have to move forward in ways that are co-operative. My work with Secretary Rubio is and will continue to be outside of the trade relationship per se and how we are building our bilateral ties.
In fact, the work we're doing together on the Arctic is one example. I will be travelling to Anchorage this summer to open a Canadian consulate there. I've discussed this with Secretary Rubio. Again, we're on the same page about the need to work together for Arctic security and protection. There is work being done with the Americans.
I will say that we have to be fully cognizant of that relationship overall, in sectors within the trade context and outside it.