What is the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group and why is it important?
The Group owes its origins to two American Congressmen, Brooks Hays and Frank Coffin. During the 1950s they undertook a study mission to Canada. They discovered a lot of irritants ranging from Defence procurement to trade issues. One of their recommendations was for an association of legislators from the two countries. Every year since 1959 approximately 24 legislators from each country get together to discuss matters of mutual interest. The importance of the Group is obvious. Canada and the United State have an integrated economy. Billions of dollars in goods cross the border every day and some estimate that 50% of all the jobs in Canada are related to our trade with the United States. We are the largest suppliers of energy to the United States. The standard of living and well being of individuals on both sides of the border depends on good political and economic relations between the two countries. When and how did you first become involved with the Group? The first meeting I attende
