Canada-US Trade

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The foreign policies of many countries have change drastically since the horrible events

of Sept 11th. National security, and the war on terror have moved to the forefront of

policies. Human rights, and nation sovereignty have been demed less important in light of

the serch for torroist and the protection of on borders. This is especially

Canada’s foreign policy has tradionally been one of promoting bilateral agreements,

emphasis on human rights promotion, the peace-building process. At the forefront of

Canadian foreign policy is our relationship with the united States. Canada has historically

followed a policy of balancing our own interests and keeping our unique relationship

with the super power to the south friendly.

For many the most important issue in Canadian foreign policy is our relationshipt with

the United States. With over 80% of our trade exports going to the US, and we being that

country largest receipient of exports as well. The Canada-US trade relation is the biggest

in the world, with over $19 billion crossing the border daily. During his tenure as foreign

affairs minister Axworthy was labelled anti-American, and was seen as putting more

emphasis on international relations then those close to home, and important. Axworthy in

his book, stipulates how gaining more power with the US isn’t through tough stances

against this huge beast we have no hope od winning against, especially with new

president George Bush. But through building relationships with other countries to

stregthen our stance. Mexico is the prime example of this. In forming bi-lateral

aggremments with the southern country, we can stregthen out stance within North

America.

Following the attacks on the twin towers on Sept 11, 2001, there was much sympathy for

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The current Bush administration obsession with finding the terroist, and the problems they have created with sending troops in to Iraq, has been the main focus of the American government, approaching them now with the idea of a e-community to promote the intersest of continental North-America would not be received well. For a country that is becoming more and more concerned solely about their own issues and concerns, the idea of sellin gthe continent I believe would be a hard sell.

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