"Canadian and U.S. mayors are leading conversations about building liveable, competitive cities that will support talent, investment and growth. Canadian mayors leave Washington today confident that our American counterparts share our deep appreciation for the important relationship between our two countries toward our shared priorities.
Whether it was mayor-to-mayor meetings at the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting, talks with thought leaders on the North American Free Trade Agreement at the Wilson Centre Canada Institute or engaging in trade discussions with Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton, we are building relationships across borders to attract investment and promote local business abroad.
On both sides of the border, the mutual benefits of a strong and fair economic partnership between Canada and the United States are clear. Our free and fair trade partnership is critical to building globally competitive cities and a prosperous future.
The United States has no closer friend, ally or partner than Canada. We enjoy the longest-standing, most peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship in the world - a partnership that has long been a model. Canadian mayors are working to make it even stronger."
Don Iveson is Chair of the Big City Mayors' Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Mayor of the City of Edmonton. FCM is the national voice of local government, with nearly 2,000 members representing more than 90 per cent of Canada's population.