Representative Higgins, it's good to see you so shortly after we just saw you in Washington. Thank you for your hospitality. I was sitting on one of the couches in your office very recently. I recollect you telling us a lot about Canada-U.S. relations. I don't recollect you describing it as “friends and fish”—I would have added “snow and sports”—but that is a pretty apt description.
Representative Higgins, again, let me echo what Mr. Baldinelli said in terms of your own leadership with Canada-U.S. relations, your own hospitality to us and your trying to constantly advance what is an important relationship and has been historically important in ensuring we deal with any obstacles or challenges but also in taking it to the next level.
What I'd say is that we know there is obviously the nation-to-nation interest. There's Canada and your state. There's even Canada and your district. We know about some of those extensive ties. I was actually digging up again the extensive connections we have with the 26th district, which you represent and where 6,200 people are employed at 163 Canadian businesses. Your district exports $1.1 billion into our country and receives $484 million from our country. That's quite staggering.
What we're trying to do, I guess, Representative Higgins, is just figure out how to calibrate this as best as possible. I just wanted to ask you.... I am on the trade committee, obviously, and I work with Minister Ng as her parliamentary secretary. We chatted briefly in your office. We're just trying to get this right for the benefit of addressing what you identified as a fair rationale but one that doesn't disproportionately impact the important residents that you represent or people who are coming over and shopping and purchasing in places like Tony's riding, etc.
I understand right now, Representative Higgins, that if the location, let's say.... We've talked a lot about Crystal Beach. If the location at Crystal Beach is not a year-round location, that property that's owned is not subject to this tax. That is one of my understandings. I also understand that, if the location of Crystal Beach hypothetically is used for a resident of western New York who is actually studying at Brock University in St. Catharines and is living there, it's also not subject to the tax.
Do I have that understanding correct, Representative Higgins?