Great Lakes Treaty Marks 100 years
Clinton, Cannon Meet Privately Discuss Buy American Clause
Jun 14, 2009
The Great Lakes Treaty was signed in 1909, and governs disputes between Canada and the United States on water quality, and quality. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon announced plans to update the accord. Following public speeches, the two met privately for discussions on Afghanistan, and the controversial Buy American’ legislation.
Great Lakes Treaty Update Includes New Technology, Climate Change
As part of the public ceremony Cannon and Clinton pledged to renew, and update the treaty. In parts of her speech published by cbc.ca, Clinton reasoned the treaty’s update had to reflect new realities: “We have to update it, to reflect new knowledge, new technologies, and unfortunately new threats.” She added that the water boundaries belong to both countries.
The treaty’s update will address concerns dealing with climate change, increased urbanization, and invasive species. The treaty was first signed in 1909, and updated in 1972. Canada, and the US enjoy the world’s longest undefended border. Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon added that the two countries were interlinked.
Private Discussions Include Buy American Clause,
The private discussions between the two diplomats included the recent Iranian elections, Afghanistan, and the controversial “Buy American Clause.” Included in the Obama stimulus bill, the controversial clause would force companies to buy only American made steel and manufactured goods with federal money.
On her recent visit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Great Lakes Treaty, U.S. Secretary-of-State Hillary Clinton told reporters she would examine Canadian objections. In remarks published by the Canadian Press she reassured the audience the Obama Administration wanted its relationship with Canada to grow: “Obviously, Canada is our number one trading partner. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that we intend not only to grow, but to nurture.”
In the same article Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon added a note of optmisim saying the two countries would work together: “We still have a lot of work to do, and we’re looking forward to doing that.”
In a recent interview given to Fox News, Prime Minister Stephen Harper added his concerns over the controversy. In the interview he called protectionism the biggest threat to solving the recession: “Quite frankly the biggest risk to global economic recovery is an increase in protectionism.” Canadian trade with the US is worth approximately $2 billion/day. $600 billion worth of trade was done between the two countries, making the US Canada’s largest trading partner.
Besides the Buy American clause Cannon, and Clinton discussed the situations in Afghanistan, and North Korea as well as the Iranian election.
