Owens Applauds Canadian Inclusion into Trans-Pacific Partnership

Press Release

Congressman Bill Owens applauded today the announcement that Canada has received an invitation to join the countries currently negotiating a proposed trade deal known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Owens, a Congressional Northern Border Caucus Co-Chair, has spearheaded an effort in the U.S. House of Representatives urging the Administration to include Canada in these negotiations.

"The decision holds strong potential to add to the 20,000 jobs in the region and more than 500,000 jobs in the state that are supported by our trade relationship with Canada," said Owens. "Our two governments are already working together on ambitious bilateral initiatives under the U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council and the recent border agreement on security and economic growth. Together with this Trans-Pacific Partnership, these initiatives will help us make the northern border more secure while accelerating the movement of people and goods."

In the 23rd Congressional District, there are 13 border crossings responsible for the movement of more than $13 billion in annual bilateral trade between Canada and the U.S. Last year alone, Canada imported more than $280.9 billion in U.S. goods and $56 billion in U.S. services, making it the United States' largest export market.

Owens has been a strong proponent of closer economic ties between New York and Canada. At a recent seminar hosted by the North Country and Ireland-Canada Chambers of Commerce, Owens met with Canadian business leaders in Montreal to encourage investment and expansion of Canadian companies on the American side of the northern border. Owens also sent a letter to the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security urging the agencies to implement a pre-clearance process for Amtrak passengers traveling to and from the United States.

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