Harper meets with U.S. congressional leaders

September 17, 2009

17 September 2009

Harper meets with U.S. congressional leaders

The following is excerpted from today's edition of "The Star".

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is singing the praises of America's single largest trading partner as he meets on Capitol Hill with some of the most powerful Democrats in Congress.

Harper is voicing Canada's opposition to protectionist trade practices in meetings with congressional leaders, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Both Harper and Pelosi hailed the relationship between the two countries as vital to their shared interests during brief, largely ceremonial remarks today before their meeting got underway.

Earlier, the Canadian contingent – which includes several cabinet ministers – discussed climate change and energy security, border management and the ongoing war in Afghanistan in meetings with Reid and other U.S. power brokers.

David Biette, director of the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, says Harper's visit is vital, even if Congress is distracted by the ongoing U.S. health-care debate.

Biette says Congress is where much of the true power resides in Washington....


Topic(s): 
Canadian Economy & Politics
Information Source: 
Canadian News Channel
Document Type: 
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