Local leaders hope Canadian election opens doors
PLATTSBURGH — North Country officials are hopeful that relations between the U.S. and Canada can improve in the wake of Monday's Canadian election.
'Now that the election is over, hopefully the two countries can get together and solve these issues and get back to business that will only benefit our areas,' Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said.
'Hopefully it will increase our economy and bring more visitors here and that benefits both countries.'
The region has seen a drop in Canadian visitors since Donald Trump became president in January. Canadians have been upset by tariffs imposed and pledged by Trump, and his claims to seek Canada as the 51st U.S. state.
Henry said there is a concern that the lack of Canadian visitors will have a negative impact on Plattsburgh International Airport, which is popular among Canadian travelers, restaurants, marinas and other businesses.
'There is a lot of Canadian business down here and losing them is a blow to our area,' he said.
'Hopefully we can get beyond the rhetoric and get down to business.'
Henry said he is hopeful that the administration of Liberal Party Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been at the helm in Canada since taking over for Justin Trudeau earlier this year, can help improve the situation.
'I can imagine there have been conversations going on behind the scenes,' Henry said.
'Hopefully they have been a bit calmer, but I can't imagine anyone would be in favor of the status quo... I have to think both sides have impetus to come to an agreement.'
STRONG TIES
Michael Cashman, supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh, which is home to several Canadian manufacturing businesses, said the town deeply values the strong economic and cultural bonds it shares with Canada.
'We extend our congratulations to Prime Minister Carney and elected Members of Parliament. I am hopeful that our federal government will seize this moment to re-engage our trusted ally with respect and urgency working together on common-sense solutions, including ending this unnecessary trade war,' Cashman said.
North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said the region has many friends in Canada on both sides.
'What's important to all of us is that Canada has a newly elected government and Prime Minister with a mandate to deal with Washington,' Douglas said.
'Prime Minister Carney has a long record in finance and banking, including periods as Governor of the Bank of Canada and as Governor of the Bank of England. We congratulate all of the newly elected MP's and wish the Prime Minister and his government well.'
JONES
State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) who chairs the Assembly's Task Force on New York Canada Relations, said he hopes that with the election, 'talks will resume immediately with our federal administration so that we can come to a resolution regarding tariffs and reciprocal tariffs that will lead to furthering the long-standing great relationship we've had with our friends and neighbors to the North.'
'This partnership and friendship is vital to the North Country economy and if the tariffs are not repealed, it will continue to hurt local residents and business owners. I continue to work with officials on both sides of the border to find common ground so that we can return to free trade policies that have been mutually beneficial.'
BENEFITS BOTH
Henry said the North Country probably has a much sharper perspective on U.S.-Canada relations since the region is so closely tied to them.
'We've had such a long and fruitful history and a beneficial relationship with them for so many years, and hopefully based on this longstanding relationship and friendship, this will turn out good for both countries,' Henry said.
'It's a two way deal: We need them and they need us too.'
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