Mr. Speaker, it is an immense privilege to stand before you today and speak to one of the most critical relations our nation has ever known, the enduring and dynamic partnership between Canada and the United States of America.
Today, as we gather here in this great country, we are not just reflecting on the past. We are setting our sights firmly on a future where the Canada-U.S. relationship not only endures but thrives, and where it grows stronger, more prosperous and more resilient than ever before.
Let me start by stating this clearly: The Canada-U.S. relationship is one of the most important, powerful and mutually beneficial partnerships in the world, and it is a partnership that remains our top priority in the years ahead. We share a border that spans close to 9,000 kilometres, stretching across cities, towns and regions where people live, work and dream on both sides of that line and across the nation. Every single day, 3.3 billion dollars' worth of goods and services cross our border, enriching both of our countries, supporting millions of jobs and ensuring our economies remain strong, competitive and interconnected.
Let us be clear about one thing: Canada is not just a neighbour to the United States; we are closely linked through friendship, geography and economic ties. Over 30 U.S. states count Canada as their top trading partner. We are the number one export destination for American goods. When the United States looks to grow, to innovate and to advance, they look north to Canada and we should take immense pride in that.
We are not just about trade. We are about the strength of shared values, of common interest and of a deep and enduring commitment to each other's prosperity, security and well-being. We share the same values of democracy, human rights, freedom and the rule of law. We stand side by side as allies, friends and partners.
Let us take a moment to talk about the undeniable power of our economic relationship. In 2022, the total trade between our two nations surpassed a staggering $1.3 trillion. Yes, that is right: $1.3 trillion. This is a trade partnership that drives our economies, creates jobs, fosters innovation and provides opportunities for millions of families on both sides of the border.
I know some may say, “Sure, that trade is impressive, but what about the challenges? What about the risks?” To that I say challenges and risks exist in any relationship, but the true test of a partnership lies not in avoiding these challenges but in how we face them together. There is no stronger partnership on the planet than the one between Canada and the United States. We face challenges, but together we tackle them, together we find solutions and together we weather the storm, secure our borders, promote sustainable growth and create the conditions for the next generations to thrive.
That is why we have committed ourselves to working even harder to deepen this relationship through many initiatives like the team Canada-U.S. engagement strategy. Cabinet colleagues, MPs and officials have travelled across the United States, engaged in over 33 states, held over 300 meetings, and engaged with hundreds of businesses and elected officials on both sides of the aisle. This has been no small effort. It has been a direct, sustained and unwavering commitment to ensuring that Canada's voice is heard loud and clear in Washington and beyond.
This effort is not simply about diplomacy; it is about action. It is about ensuring that Canada remains not just a participant but a leader in the global economy. It is about creating new opportunities for Canadians and Americans alike, whether in trade, investment or innovation. It is about making sure every sector, whether it is agriculture, technology, manufacturing or energy, continues to thrive, to grow and to create jobs for people.
Now let me talk about our people for a moment. This relationship is not just about governments and corporations. It is about individuals, families, communities and businesses that rely on our shared connection every single day. One in six jobs in Canada is directly tied to exports, nearly three million jobs in total. Over six million jobs in the United States depend on the success of our shared economic and trade relationship. This is not just a statistic; it is a lifeline and a testament to the tangible, real-world impact of the partnership between our two nations.
What is next? What can we do to ensure this partnership continues to thrive?
The answer is clear: We keep engaging, we keep working together, we keep listening to each other, we remain vigilant and we continue to make strategic investments in the partnerships between our countries. We are not standing still. We are not resting on our laurels. We have a proven track record in working with multiple American administrations. We have worked with a Trump administration before.
We have put in place a new cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations led by the Deputy Prime Minister, who is tirelessly engaging with sectors across the country to ensure Canada's interests are protected and advanced. We will continue to engage at every level, across every sector and in every community. Our efforts are not just reactive; they are proactive. We are anticipating the needs of our businesses, our workers and our communities, and we are preparing for the challenges ahead, whether securing our borders, advancing economic opportunities, addressing the challenges of a changing climate or ensuring the supply chains that connect our two countries remain resilient and strong. We are committed by staying ahead of the curve.
Let me make one thing absolutely clear: The future of Canada-U.S. relations is not just about governments; it is about people. It is about the small businesses on either side of the border we represent, the industries we work in and the communities we live in. The Canada-U.S. relationship is our relationship. It is about ensuring that the opportunities we create are accessible to everyone, that the benefits of this partnership are shared by all and that we remain united in our effort to build a better future for our children and grandchildren.
In this rapidly changing world, we are presented with incredible opportunities. Yes, there will be challenges, but I am confident that together, Canada and the United States will rise to meet them. We will not shy away from the tough conversations. We will not turn our backs when challenges arise. Instead, we will lean in, engage and collaborate.
Let me conclude with this: We are not just talking about a trade agreement. We are talking about a relationship that has stood the test of time and has grown stronger with every passing year, and this will continue to be the cornerstone of our future. It is a relationship that has weathered storms, faced adversity and come out on the other side stronger. We will continue to defend it. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Canada and the United States remain the closest, most trusted partners in the world, because the Canada-U.S. relationship is non-negotiable. It is foundational. It is vital to the prosperity, security and well-being of both our countries, and it is worth every effort to protect, strengthen and deepen.