Advancing Canadian relations and research with the U.S.

Minister Duncan meets with science and business leaders in North Carolina to advocate for a modernized NAFTA, stronger research relations

RALEIGH, NC, Jan. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - With North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations under way this week, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, wrapped up a two-day visit to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she advocated for a modernized NAFTA. During a meeting with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the Minister underscored that Canada is working hard to make updates or improvements to the agreement that benefit all three trading partners.

Canada is North Carolina's number one trading partner. Annual trade between North Carolina and Canada generates more than $9.7 billion in economic activity. Approximately 250,000 jobs in North Carolina depend on this strong Canada-U.S. trade relationship—jobs that help sustain a healthy, vibrant middle class north and south of the border. 

In addition to engaging with the business community, Minister Duncan met with key public and private sector figures, including North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, U.S. Congressman David Price and Dr. Emlyn Koster, Director of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.

The Minister's numerous meetings with members of North Carolina's scientific community allowed her to strengthen research links between Canadian and U.S. academic institutions while promoting the Government of Canada's efforts to increase the participation of women and other under-represented groups in the sciences.

Quotes

"Canada is North Carolina's number one customer. We buy more goods and services from North Carolina than any other country, products that sustain a strong economy and create jobs north and south of the border. I believe a modernized NAFTA that benefits all partners will create new economic, social, business and research opportunities that will support generations to come."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science

"For 24 years, NAFTA has created opportunities, jobs and a better life for our peoples. This is why from day one of the negotiations, Canada has brought concrete proposals on how we can modernize NAFTA to the benefit of Canadian, American and Mexican citizens. We are focused on achieving real progress, including in Montréal‎ in the coming days."
– The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

• 247,500 jobs in North Carolina depend on trade and investment with Canada.
• In 2016, North Carolina exported services to Canada worth a total of USD $1.2 billion.
• North Carolina sells more goods to Canada than to its next two largest foreign markets (Mexico and China) combined.
• Canada and the United States share the world's longest undefended border, over which approximately 400,000 people, as well as goods and services worth $2.4 billion, cross daily.

Associated links

• North American Free Trade Agreement – Resources

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Twitter: @ScienceMin 
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada