Mr. Speaker, it should not be necessary to remind this House and Canadians that the United States is our largest trading partner and our closest ally. The visit of President Obama underscores the importance he places on our bilateral relationship.
President Obama has acted swiftly to bring about a stimulus package to get Americans working and the economy flowing. The government is challenged to work with the United States administration as it sets its course. As the United States announces unprecedented spending on economic stimulus, the government must ensure that Canada's interests are protected and advanced.
From energy to the environment, border issues to the automotive and forestry sectors, Canada and the United States share the opportunity to show the world the difference between vision and division as we engage global recession, climate change and desperate world poverty.
We should begin by working constructively to prevent American protectionism and stimulate the trade that has and must continue to flow across our borders.