Canada-US Friends & Trading Partners

Canada and United States: Friends & Trading Partners Agreeing To Renew Vows

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on February 4, 2010 that "the United States is committed to a rules-based trading system where the American people - and the Congress - can feel confident that when we sign an agreement that gives foreign countries the privilege of free and fair access to our domestic market, we are treated the same." This statement was made amid rapidly circulating rumours that Canada and the United States have signed (in December 2009) and will announce on February 4th or 5th a deal that would exempt Canadian suppliers from "Buy America" provisions.

CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife has provided a good summary of the rumoured deal:

•U.S. lawmakers "watered down" protectionist policies Wednesday night in the Senate. The clause had been attached to Washington's massive $900-billion stimulus program.
•Trade between Canada and at least 37 U.S. states will be opened up (the States that are represented in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.
•Canadian companies will be let in on seven major U.S. programs.
•The agreement is a precedent-setting for Ottawa, as it will prevent Canadian industry from being lumped in with other trading countries like China in the future.
•The delayed announcement may be due to a different approach in Canada and the U.S.
The Hamilton Spectator reports at the deal only covers contracts granted under the U.S. stimulus package, such as money is allocated for roads, public housing