Mr. Speaker, Canada's relationship with the United States is vital to our political, economic and security interests. Today the government has acted to enhance our already excellent relationship with the United States.
To promote our strategic business interests and increase Canada's profile, we will be opening seven new consulates in the United States and appointing 20 honourary consuls.
These new consulates will be located in Denver, Houston, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Anchorage. They will increase Canada's ability to develop partnerships in emerging economic centres in the United States. It will give us a greater presence in areas where we want to enhance trade, particularly the American southwest.
The Government of Canada is committed to facilitating Canadian companies that want to expand and do business with our American neighbours. We are committed to constantly finding opportunities to improve and enhance the close relationship between our two nations.