May 29, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the creation of a Prime Minister's Task Force on Canada-United States Relations. The Task Force will examine the relationship and consider ways to strengthen and improve dialogue between elected officials in our two countries.

"Canada's relationship with the United States is unique. We have the largest trading relationship and longest undefended border in the world. Our mutual interests run deep and it is in both our interests to strengthen cooperation and resolve disagreements through dialogue," said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Our Members of Parliament and Senators can contribute to enhancing dialogue between our governments and I want the Task Force to advise me on how best to achieve this."

The Task Force on Canada-United States relations will consult with Members of Parliament, experts, and key stakeholders on ways to deepen the working relationship between elected officials in both countries.

The Task Force will place a special emphasis on:

• identifying key opportunities for increasing dialogue between federal elected officials and U.S. Congress Members;
• advising on the creation of a research and information base on key issues;
• analyzing Canada's trade with individual states and districts to better understand linkages and opportunities;
• identifying current and future issues most likely to influence bilateral relations;
• consulting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to explore opportunities for Parliamentarians to support him and his officials; and
• considering approaches and methods that could help resolve bilateral disagreements.

The Task Force will deliver their report to the Prime Minister by November 2002.

Members of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Canada-United States Relations:

Chair:
Joe Comuzzi, M.P. (Thunder Bay Superior-North)

Vice-Chair:
The Hon. Hedy Fry, M.P. (Vancouver Centre)

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