US Consul General Kevin Johnson spoke about two things Canadians and Americans often swap back and forth: cross-border trade and hockey championships. In terms of trade, Johnson said that Buy American has accomplished two important things: bringing attention to the sub-national trade policies in Canada and the US, and securing clear executive acknowledgement that the two economies are inextricably linked. In regards to hockey, Johnson said that Canada can keep the Olympic gold medal but the US will keep the Stanley Cup (in reference to the highly competitive NHL playoffs currently underway)!
But in an address to the delegates of the OCC AGM & Convention, Johnson had nothing but praise for Canada. He made it very clear that Canada managed the financial disaster better than any other country. But Johnson urged delegates not to write off the US too quickly. He challenged the notion that the American influence on the world economy is waning in favour of China, by pointing to the democratic traditions in the U.S. and the relative wealth of its people. Stressing there are many challenges ahead, Johnson pointed out that both Canada and the US possess great people and resources to face these obstacles.
Johnson also acknowledged the need for a continued partnership with Canada as pivotal to the economic prosperity of the US. And he stated unequivocally that the US is supportive of Canada’s efforts to create diverse international trade partnerships, noting, “we do not see leadership as exclusive. We see this as a multi-partnership world.”
