At meeting, Klobuchar urged swift action on border restrictions and discussed trade, security 

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) chaired the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group Meeting, leading a comprehensive discussion between 10 United States Senators and 14 Canadian Parliamentarians on topics of mutual concern including trade, security, and the environment. During the meeting, Senator Klobuchar urged action to ease border restrictions, including those affecting residents and businesses in the Northwest Angle.

“This meeting was a productive conversation between our two delegations about areas of shared interest, including trade, national security, and the Great Lakes. As we round the corner of the pandemic, we discussed our renewed commitment to working together to address pressing issues facing our two nations. 

“I also urged my Canadian counterparts to take swift action to help those adversely impacted by travel restrictions, including residents of the Northwest Angle who have been separated from their homes, businesses, and loved ones due to border closures. I reiterated my position that now is the time to begin to safely ease travel restrictions. The conversation was productive, and I look forward to continuing to work with Canadian officials to make progress as soon as possible.” 

Canada is one of our closest and most enduring allies with deep ties based on shared values and interests. In addition to close cultural ties, Canada is America's biggest trading partner, with $1.4 billion of goods crossing the border daily. Our continued cooperation across a wide spectrum of issues is evidence of the strength of that relationship. The Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group was established in 1959 as a forum for U.S. members of Congress and Canadian parliamentarians and to have an ongoing dialogue on major issues of mutual concern. Senator Klobuchar serves as Chairwoman of the U.S. delegation. 

This week, Senator Klobuchar sent a letter to Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the U.S, about their continued work to address border challenges for Northwest Angle residents. Klobuchar has also engaged with U.S. officials on this matter, and in April sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging them to work with the Canadian government to explore options to safely ease some border restrictions between the U.S. and Canada.

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