Wahpeton Daily News

By Cameron Sutphin 

With the trade war still raging on, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D, Minnesota) and Senator Kevin Cramer (R, North Dakota) joined a bipartisan delegation to Ottawa, Canada, to try and preserve the longstanding relationship.

The delegation includes Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D, New Hampshire), Tim Kaine (D, Virginia) and Peter Welch (D, Vermont) and reflects a united front from both parties to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Canada relationship.

During their stay in Ottawa, the senators met with key Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Defense Minister David McGuinty and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. The delegation also met with the Business Council of Canada and major Canadian companies to explore mutual economic opportunities.

“Canada is Minnesota’s neighbor, top trading partner and close friend. We share a deep bond grounded in trust and a shared commitment to democracy … We can strengthen our partnership and bolster our trade relationship in the wake of President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs,” Sen. Klobuchar said.

The visit comes as the Senate pushes forward bipartisan legislative efforts aimed at revitalizing U.S.-Canada relations. The delegation’s visit to Ottawa is seen as a critical step in reinforcing the long-standing alliance between the two nations.

Last week, Sen. Klobuchar joined Sen. Cramer and Senator Angus King (I, Maine) in introducing a resolution highlighting the two countries’ shared interests in economic cooperation, energy resources and critical minerals essential for national security.

The move, backed by a cross-party coalition, highlights the countries' economic interdependence, shared security goals, and deep cultural ties.

Sen. Cramer emphasized the resolution’s significance in light of ongoing global challenges.

"For states like North Dakota, where 79% of goods exports — valued at nearly $6 billion in 2023 — head to Canada, this alliance is not just international policy; it’s a daily economic reality. Canada is not just our neighbor — it is our closest ally,” Sen. Cramer said.

The resolution goes beyond economic ties, highlighting key security collaborations such as the modernization of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and efforts to combat transnational threats like illegal migration and fentanyl trafficking. It also emphasizes joint commitments to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Senators from across the political spectrum have endorsed the measure, and a companion resolution has been introduced in the House.