Canadian speaks to Kentucky business leaders about trade opportunities

By Jacqueline Pitts, The Bottom Line

With Canada and Kentucky sharing one of the most economically important bilateral relationships in North America, and a long history of trade and partnership, Canadian Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale spoke to business leaders at the Kentucky Chamber Board of Directors meeting during his trip to the commonwealth last week.

Goodale spoke to the Kentucky Chamber Board of Directors Friday alongside U.S. Ambassador to Canada and Kentucky native Kelly Craft about the importance of the relationship between Kentucky and Canada, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and Kentucky business opportunities in Canada. Craft is the wife of current Kentucky Chamber Chairman Joe Craft.

“I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Craft … and with Kentucky business and community leaders, who shared their ideas on the ways to build upon the productive and valuable relationship between Canada and the United States,” Goodale said.

Goodale said his trip to Kentucky provided productive discussions on additional ways Canada and Kentucky can work together to increase trade and job opportunities.

The Minister of Public Safety also had discussions with Gov. Matt Bevin during his time in Kentucky about the strong economic ties between the two partners. The annual trade between Canada and Kentucky stands at $10.9 billion per year, and more than 112,000 jobs in Kentucky are supported by Canada-United States trade and investment.

“During my visit, I highlighted Canada’s status as Kentucky’s number-one trading partner, our stable business climate, our highly educated and skilled workforce and other reasons that make Canada an ideal destination for American companies to grow their businesses,” Goodale said.

Goodale also met with other Kentucky officials including Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary John Tilley to discuss public safety issues of interest to both Canada and Kentucky, including efforts to combat the opioid crisis and joint law enforcement programs, and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles to discuss agricultural trade relations and the upcoming Kentucky trade mission to Canada.