"Wilkins: Canadians Warming to US," by Anna Simon - The Greenville News (Greenville, NC), 21 February 2007
CLEMSON -- Two democracies, side by side. Different systems, and both good.
That's how Greenvillian David Wilkins, former state House speaker, now U.S. ambassador to Canada, described U.S. and Canadian politics from his new front-row seat.
For a self-described political junkie, the 20 months he's served so far in his new position have been "the privilege of a lifetime," Wilkins told an audience at Clemson University's Strom Thurmond Institute on Tuesday night....
Wilkins said his goal is to leave the relationship "stronger than ever" between the two allies, which exchange $1.5 billion in commerce and trade daily.
Two issues already have been resolved: a longstanding dissatisfaction among Canadians over a U.S. tariff on softwood lumber, and closure of the border because of mad cow disease.
The perception was "that we weren't working with our friends," Wilkins said.
Now polls show "they have a better view of us than a year ago," Wilkins said.
"Building relationships is what it is all about," he said.
The new hot issue is passports, Wilkins said. Canadians fear the new requirement that U.S. citizens now have passports to travel to Canada will hurt tourism, but Wilkins disagrees....
For some background, see:
Businesses Worry New Rules Will Stymie US-Canada Travel, Commerce
Canadians Change Gov't - But Not Concerns
Canadians Want PM Who Can Handle Washington
US Amb: Canadian PM Takes America-Bashing on Campaign Trail
Canadian Fast Food Boycott to Protest US Softwood Duties
US-Canadian Tensions Reflected in Public Attitudes
Also see:
"After Shying Away, Americans Return to Canada," by Tavia Grant - the Globe and Mail (Toronto), 20 February 2007
American same-day travel to Canada plummeted to the lowest level on record in 2006, though visits picked up a little towards the end of last year.
Same day visits from the U.S. — Canada's biggest tourism market — rose 2.5 per cent in December from November, the second month of gains, Statistics Canada said Tuesday. Overnight trips among American travellers rose 2.9 per cent.
For last year as a whole, the picture looks dim. The number of U.S. same-day car trips plunged 12.5 per cent to 13.7 million — the lowest level since record-keeping started in 1972, the report said. Same-day car travel reached a high of 27.3 million trips in 1999.
Canadian hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions have been struggling to cope with waning U.S. visitors, who have stayed away amid a strong Canadian dollar, heightened customs security and a lack of marketing south of the border. New rules requiring passports for travellers flying between Canada and the U.S. are also deterring visitors....
Last summer's high gasoline prices might have had something to do with the decline in day trips from the US to Canada, too.
Canadian hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions have been struggling to cope with waning U.S. visitors, who have stayed away amid a strong Canadian dollar, heightened customs security and a lack of marketing south of the border. New rules requiring passports for travellers flying between Canada and the U.S. are also deterring visitors....
Posted by: cheap ed hardy | 31 January 2010 at 01:46 AM
New rules requiring passports for travellers flying between Canada and the U.S. are also deterring visitors.
Posted by: 642-164 | 28 April 2010 at 11:16 PM
interesting post! the new hot issue is passports, Wilkins said. Canadians fear the new requirement that U.S. citizens now have passports to travel to Canada will hurt tourism
Posted by: Nursing apparel | 27 May 2010 at 01:39 AM
this is amazing! Canadian hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions have been struggling to cope with waning U.S. visitors, who have stayed away amid a strong Canadian dollar, heightened customs security and a lack of marketing south of the border
Posted by: easy hook alternative | 18 June 2010 at 12:05 AM
You are so generous! I just love finding beautiful and artistic freebies like this. They really brighten up my day, thank you!
Posted by: Saleenadavid | 15 July 2010 at 08:01 AM
i myself am wanting to do blogging too. i wonder when i could start when my baby is also at my back...lol!
maybe when she becomes 5.
Posted by: cna classes michigan | 16 July 2010 at 03:15 AM
itizens now have passports to travel to Canada will hurt tourism
Posted by: Air Max | 21 July 2010 at 10:21 PM
I’ve truly enjoyed reading your blog posts. You clearly know your stuff. I also really like it that your site is very simple to navigate. I’ve bookmarked it in my favorites and will for sure be returning for more.
Posted by: Oil Paintings Sale | 17 August 2010 at 09:39 PM
Great Post! I love to read articles that are informative and beneficial in nature. Thank You for sharing your knowledge.
Posted by: Hip Hop Clothing | 18 August 2010 at 05:20 AM
I love the clothes ed hardy and diesel jeans, favorite shoes christian louboutin. Each has its own benefits.Believe me, your choice is correct.
Posted by: ghsaej | 01 September 2010 at 02:56 AM
I quite agree with you! the ed hardy is the good choice
Posted by: ed hardy | 09 October 2010 at 01:53 AM
Thank you for all the great posts from last year! I look forward to reading your blog, because they are always full of information that I can put to use. Thank you again, and God bless you in future.
Posted by: nike outlet | 29 October 2010 at 11:57 PM
Totally realize what your stance in this issue. Although I'd disagree on some of the finer details, I believe you do an awesome job explaining it.
Posted by: louboutin shoes | 05 November 2010 at 11:32 PM
We look out for more interesting posts from your end about the same topic . Even the future updates about this topic would be of great help.
Posted by: authentic coach bags | 01 December 2010 at 02:00 AM
You are so generous! I just love finding beautiful and artistic freebies like this. They really brighten up my day, thank you!
CNA Schools Neveda
Posted by: Account Deleted | 19 January 2011 at 03:50 AM
Two issues already have been resolved: a longstanding dissatisfaction among Canadians over a U.S. tariff on softwood lumber, and closure of the border because of mad cow disease.
Posted by: cheap jerseys | 14 May 2011 at 03:24 AM
Awesome! This looks absolutely perfect. All these tiny details are made with lot of background knowledge. I like it a lot.
Posted by: Cubs jersey | 16 June 2011 at 08:42 PM
Let me great inspiration, thanks
Posted by: coach outlet | 16 August 2011 at 01:59 AM
thnk you for sharing
Posted by: ankara escort | 18 August 2011 at 09:16 AM
You are so generous! I just love finding beautiful and artistic freebies like this. They really brighten up my day, thank you!
Posted by: air max shoes | 22 August 2011 at 05:19 AM
Coach Bags
coach outlet
Coach Handbags
HAPPY
Posted by: Coach Handbags | 09 September 2011 at 03:47 AM
It was nice to learn using your article. I really appreciated the couple of minutes i spent looking through it and wanted to leave a comment to mention that....Best wishes
Posted by: Brent | 22 September 2011 at 02:17 AM
Let me great inspiration, thanks
Posted by: Clinton Portis Jersey | 28 September 2011 at 04:19 AM
we can provide you with high quality Ugg Boots ,just take action now do not miss it!
Posted by: Evering2010 | 07 October 2011 at 03:37 AM
http://www.wholesalenewuggboots.com/
Posted by: ugg boots | 08 October 2011 at 06:35 AM