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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 22
INTRODUCED BY C. SCHREINER
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA RECOGNIZING MONTANA'S RELATIONSHIP WITH CANADA.
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada have developed one of the most successful international relationships in the modern world; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada share security of the world's longest border at 5,525 miles, 545 miles of which border Montana, but also a vibrant history of democratic governance, military and economic partnerships, and cultural ties; and
WHEREAS, the relationship between the United States and Canada is unique in the world, and the two nations have a shared prosperity fostered by two-way trade and investments; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada have the largest and most comprehensive trade relationship in the world, which equates to $673 billion in goods and services crossing the border. The North American Free Trade Agreement provided the framework for much of this bilateral trade and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will provide important updates to the agreement while continuing to grow both economies; and
WHEREAS, Montana contributes significantly to this relationship with bilateral trade totaling $4.3 billion; and
WHEREAS, Canada is the largest export destination for both the United States and Montana; and
WHEREAS, nearly nine million American jobs are dependent on trade with Canada, including 26,000 jobs in Montana; and
WHEREAS, Canada is Montana's largest international customer, with exports totaling $670 million to the country; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada have integrated energy and agriculture sectors, which fosters innovation and increases North American competitiveness, as demonstrated by the connections shared by Montana and Canada; and
WHEREAS, agriculture products are Montana's leading export to Canada, totaling $351 million in 2017, and energy is Canada's leading export to Montana; and
WHEREAS, tourism between Montana and Canada is another key component of the economic relationship, and 702,000 Canadians visit the state each year, spending more than $202 million annually; and
WHEREAS, at $73 billion, Canada's energy exports represent the United States' largest and most secure supplier of oil, electricity, uranium, and natural gas; and
WHEREAS, defense arrangements between the United States and Canada are more extensive than with any other nation, underpinned by our integrated American and Canadian forces at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which defends the North American continent; and
WHEREAS, for more than 60 years, members of the Canadian armed forces have served in the United States as partners in NORAD; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada are both founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and forces from the two nations have fought together in most major conflicts since World War I; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada are unwavering in their commitment to a safe and secure perimeter and to countering extremism both at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Canada are joint stewards of the North American environment committed to addressing global climate volatility by developing accessible new technologies and promoting environmental conservation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Montana Legislature recognizes the importance of the two countries' trade agreements and the outstanding economic relationship between Montana and Canada and the importance of the agriculture, energy, and tourism industries in both.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognizes the strategic defense relationship of the two countries, and the many times that American and Canadian soldiers have fought together to jointly secure North America and promote international security.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature honors Montana's ally Canada and looks forward to many years of cooperation and good will.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Montana Congressional Delegation.
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Latest Version of HJ 22 (HJ0022.01)
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