A Canadian consul general brought a positive message to Missouri last week.
Missouri and Canada have forged a strong working relationship on shared interests including business, trade and energy, Roy B. Norton told state officials.
Norton is one of 12 Canadian consul generals who represents his nation in the U.S. His headquarters are in Chicago and he serves a three-state territory that includes Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin.
The occasion of the visit was the observance of Canada Week in Missouri, and Norton's tone was upbeat in his discussions with state officials and his speeches at universities and other venues.
He reminded us:
• Missouri sells more goods to Canada, 31 percent, than to the next four largest foreign markets combined.
• Trade between Missouri and Canada is roughly balanced. Missouri exports to Canada are about $3.96 billion, compared to an estimated $3.87 billion in imports from our northern neighbor.
• About 149,500 Missouri jobs depend on trade and investment with Canada.
Norton's aim is to build on the existing strong partnership between the U.S. and Canada. To that end, he encourages the U.S. not to insist on a strict buy-American campaign that shuts out Canada.
And, although some headlines last week weren't entirely favorable to Canadian interests, Norton seem relatively unfazed.
He expressed some disappointment with President Obama's veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline, intended to bring Canadian oil through the U.S. to Texas. Canada has become the world's sixth largest oil producer and its production has helped drive down the cost of gasoline at the U.S. pump.
Norton said a network of oil and gas pipelines between the U.S. and Canada already exists, technology has made them more reliable and Canada is a more friendly market than other U.S. oil suppliers, including Venezuela.
And, rather than resent publicity about the U.S. - and Missouri - renewing relations with Cuba, Norton explained Canada served as the host site for talks that led to the U.S.-Cuba breakthrough because "that is what friends do."
U.S.-Canada relations rarely are in the news, largely because most headlines these days are prompted by conflict.
That's why it's worth remembering that we share a lengthy northern border with a nation that is a consistent ally, a trusted partner and valued friend.