In September, the Canadian Studies Center hosted members of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (CEUS) for a meeting in the International Center focused on the center’s work promoting cross-border understanding and a strong U.S.-Canada relationship. A highlight of the meeting was presentations by the center’s core faculty on the current economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada, with a particular focus on the binational Great Lakes region.  

The CEUS was founded in 1959 to provide a forum for exchanges between Canadian and American legislators on issues of importance for both countries, including trade, border issues, security, and defense. The group has 159 members, all of whom are senators or members of parliament who represent the diverse interests of Canada’s provinces and territories.

The delegation to MSU included M.P. Richard Bragdon of Ontario; M.P. Ali Ehsassi of Ontario; Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, a senator from Nova Scotia; M.P. Gabriel Ste-Marie of Quebec; and Hon. Suze Youance, a senator from Quebec; as well as CEUS support staff.

At the campus meeting, the parliamentarians were joined by Consul General in Detroit Andrea Clements, Consul Grantly Franklin, and Consulate Public Affairs Officer Abdulla Alhassani.

Representing MSU were Titus Awokuse, vice provost and dean of International Studies and Programs, Rebecca Malouin, director of the Canadian Studies Center, Mitch Goldsmith, assistant director of the Canadian Studies Center, and professors Jason Miller and David Ortega, experts on the trading relationship between the U.S. and Canada.

Miller, the Eli Broad Endowed Professor of Supply Chain Management, presented his research findings on the impacts of tariffs on the regional automotive industry and manufacturing, including specific economic effects for Michigan and Ontario.

Ortega, professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy, presented his research findings on the impacts of tariffs on food and agricultural goods, including dairy, consumer-oriented food items, and fertilizers.

Miller and Ortega's presentations generated a productive exchange on the current U.S.-Canada trade and economic relationship, particularly the impact of tariffs and economic uncertainty. We look forward to continued conversations with our Canadian partners, including CEUS parliamentarians.