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Center Forward Hosts Forum with Diplomatic, Congressional, and Business Leaders to discuss the U.S.-Canada Bilateral Relationship

(L to R) Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Amb. Kirsten Hillman, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Beth Burke

Businesses and governments across North America are actively preparing for the review and renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), scheduled to begin in 2026. In anticipation of these critical discussions, Center Forward is fostering dialogue among embassy officials, members of Congress, and business leaders to emphasize the vital role of international trade in supporting U.S. economic strength and national security, and fostering a stronger relationship with our neighbor to the north – Canada.

Ambassador of Canada to the United States Kirsten Hillman, Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA), and CEO of the Canadian-American Business Council Beth Burke joined Center Forward to share their insights on the biggest components of the relationship between our two countries, particularly as it relates to USMC review. This critical conversation explored shared priorities, such as advancing “allyshoring” and reducing regulatory hurdles for cross-border businesses.

Ambassador Hillman underscored the strength of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship, noting that the United States trades more with Canada daily than it does with many other nations over an entire year. Each day, approximately $2.5 billion in goods and services cross the U.S.-Canada border, making this relationship indispensable to both economies. 

“Canada and the United States share the most competitive, prosperous, and resilient economic region in the world. With nearly $1 trillion in goods and services crossing our shared border every year, trade between our two countries supports millions of jobs for Americans and Canadians. We are strategic partners when it comes to continental and economic security, and I look forward to working together with the American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus—and all members of Congress—towards a more prosperous and secure future,” said Ambassador Kirsten Hillman.

A key focus of the discussion was allyshoring—the practice of strengthening supply chains within allied nations. Ambassador Hillman reflected on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how U.S.-Canada collaboration helped mitigate critical shortages of medical supplies. She pointed to this partnership as a model for developing North America’s critical mineral supply chains, reducing our reliance on China, and addressing a pressing security concern shared by both nations.

Canada has been proactive in emphasizing the strategic significance of its bilateral relationship with the United States. In 2023, the American Canadian Economy and Security (ACES) Caucus was established to promote policies that advance mutual economic and security interests. The bipartisan caucus, which now includes dozens of members from the U.S. House and Senate, is co-chaired by Representative Carter. Congressman Carter, whose district includes the ports of Savannah and Brunswick, highlighted how this partnership benefits businesses, his constituents in Georgia, and American consumers more broadly. He highlighted the caucus’s ongoing efforts to educate new members of Congress and the public about the importance of U.S.-Canada collaboration and that a strong U.S.-Canada relationship is good for the average American’s pocketbook.

“The United States and Canada share a deep friendship rooted in mutual defense commitments, a shared border, and one of the world’s largest bilateral economic partnerships. As co-chair of the American Canadian Economic and Security Caucus, I am committed to advancing policies that strengthen this relationship, promote nearshoring, and ensure our nation’s security. Thank you to Center Forward and the Canadian Embassy for hosting this important discussion and highlighting the critical importance of our shared priorities,” said Representative Carter. 

Beth Burke, CEO of the Canadian American Business Council, highlighted how misaligned policies create challenges for businesses operating on both sides of the border, and stressed that both governments can act in so many ways to improve the business environment between the two nations, particularly by addressing regulatory inconsistencies. Representing 80 stakeholder organizations, Burke advocated for greater regulatory cohesion as a critical priority for the upcoming USMCA renegotiations. Each of these respective leaders agreed that streamlining regulations would significantly benefit international trade and economic growth.

“The Canada-U.S. relationship is of utmost importance, for our people, economies, and shared security. The American Canadian Economic Security (ACES) Caucus is a welcome addition to Congress in advocating for our bilateral economic security. Our supply chains are more integrated than ever, requiring regulatory cohesion and open conversation between the public and private sector to ensure we have a seamless flow of goods and services. This conversation was one of many ahead in understanding the opportunities ahead for our shared prosperity” said Burke.

Center Forward, the leading convener of bipartisan conversations on Capitol Hill, organized the event as part of its Embassy Row series. This series is dedicated to exploring trade, innovation, collaboration, culture, and U.S. economic partnerships abroad, reflecting the organization’s commitment to facilitating informed discussions that transcend both political and international boundaries.