The U.S.’ s vital relationship with Canada is one of our nation’s oldest, most dynamic and mutually beneficial international partnerships. Since well before the recent prominence of autocratic governments, Canada has long been a key ally for the U.S. in developing and sustaining a world order defined by open markets, fair trade and the promotion of democratic values.
As a founding member of NATO and a dependable economic partner, Canada has long supported key U.S. democratic allies and the integration and growth of our economies. For over 150 years, the U.S. and Canada have shared not just the longest border in the world, but arguably also the most open, peaceful and prosperous border in modern history.
In recent years, Canada has been the either the first or second largest trade partner for the U.S.. And unlike with either China or Mexico, the U.S.’s balance of trade with Canada has been much more reciprocal and equitable. The total volume of U.S.-Canada trade more than doubled after the signing NAFTA; and it has grown again, since President Trump and then Prime Minister Trudeau signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement USMCA in 2020.
Canada is the 2nd largest international trade partner for Texas; and Texas is 2nd largest U.S. state trade partner for Canada. The economic ties between Canada and Texas are deep and substantial, as the U.S. imports more crude oil from Canada than all other nations combined. Additionally, Canada supplies about 98% of all natural gas imported into the U.S.; and many of Canada’s largest energy companies have their U.S. headquarters in Houston, such as Enbridge.
Featured Speaker: Susan Harper - Consul General of Canada in Dallas
Susan Harper became Consul General of Canada in Dallas in November 2022, representing Canada in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. She oversees political, economic, public affairs, consular, and commercial services, including the Consulate in Houston. Her previous roles include Consul General in Miami, Canada’s Senior Arctic Official, Director General for trade policy, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Embassy in Washington, and Ambassador to Uruguay. She has also held trade postings in Yaoundé, Paris, and Buenos Aires. Before her diplomatic career, she taught at Cambrian College and George Brown College. She holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an Honours BA in Math and English from Queen’s University. She has two children.
Featured Speaker: Peter V. Sheffield - Vice President External Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge
Pete Sheffield is Vice President External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge, where he oversees enterprise-wide public policy and government affairs, sustainability strategy and reporting, and corporate partnerships. Sheffield was previously VP of U.S. External Affairs to Enbridge and served as vice president of energy policy and government affairs for Spectra Energy Corp, overseeing the company’s government relations activities and public policy. He joined Duke Energy in 2002, serving as director of external relations. Prior to that, Sheffield was press secretary to the United States House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce, serving as primary spokesman and senior advisor to two chairmen. Sheffield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently serves on the Board of the Canadian American Business Council and the Sustainability Advisory Council to the New York Stock Exchange.
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