Canada is a Good Neighbor
July 10, 2011
"Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder. What unites us is far greater than what divides us." -- President John F. Kennedy, to Canadian Parliament, 1961
As President Kennedy noted nearly 50 years ago, the United States and Canada have a long and storied relationship, This solid relationship has helped both nations economically, particularly in recent years as trade has grown.
And it is a relationship that can aid Hoosiers as we aim to acquire cheaper energy from friendlier sources.
Canada is the second largest country by land mass in the world. Its border with the United States is the longest border in the world. This border has been almost entirely peaceful for nearly 200 years, since the end of the War of 1812. Even since the September 11 attacks in 2001, border relations have remained strong. In fact, there has been a greater sharing of intelligence between the two countries to combat terrorism here and abroad.
The United States and Canada are each other’s chief economic partners. Both nations benefit from large volumes of tourism and migration. The North American Free Trade Agreement signed in 1994 has merged the two economies and has greatly benefited their mutual relations.
This dynamic becomes even more impressive when you explore the relationship between Indiana and Canada. A 2007 study commissioned by the Canadian Embassy, determined Indiana has 162,300 jobs as a result of friendly relations with its neighbor to the north. And the benefits don’t end with jobs. Indiana exports nearly $8 billion worth of goods to Canada annually. As such, Indiana sells more to Canada than it does to the next seven countries combined.
Source: Consulate General of Canada
Canada supplies the United States with more oil than any other nation. It’s possible for the United States to acquire even more energy from Canada with greater development of the Canadian oil sands in Alberta. This development could translate to greater energy security and lower energy input costs for businesses across the state.
The Energy Forum Team
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