Canadian Ambassador, Governor Pawlenty Celebrate Cross-Border Commerce, 40th Anniversary of Canadian Consulate in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, March 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Canada's Ambassador to the US came to Minnesota today to talk with Governor Pawlenty and local business representatives about the economic partnership between Canada and Minnesota. At a breakfast meeting hosted by the Canada-Minnesota Business Council and Canada's Consulate General in Minneapolis, Doer noted that Canada remains Minnesota's number one customer and largest supplier of oil, natural gas and electricity.

"Canada and Minnesota are great friends – and great business partners," said Ambassador Doer. "And to show you how important Canada thinks you are, we've had a Consulate General here for 40 years."

To recognize the 40th anniversary of the Consulate in Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty presented Ambassador Doer with a plaque. The plaque says, "In recognition of the commitment by Canada and Minnesota to strengthen bilateral relations and in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Consulate General of Canada in Minnesota.  May Minnesota and Canada maintain the strong bonds that make us neighbors, partners, allies and friends."

"Minnesota deeply appreciates our friendship with Canada," Governor Pawlenty said.  "We have much in common, including long winters and a love of hockey.  More importantly, our mutually beneficial partnership provides jobs for thousands of people and is an important engine of economic growth that we should continue to strengthen."

Doer was appointed in October 2009 by Canada's Prime Minister to serve as Canada's Ambassador to the US. Prior to his appointment, Doer was the Premier of Manitoba for ten years.

Canada is Minnesota's #1 export market and largest supplier of oil, natural gas, and electricity. Over the past three years, trade between Minnesota and Canada has averaged $16 billion per year. Over 141,000 Minnesota jobs are supported by Canada-US trade and over 8 million US jobs depend on trade with Canada.

Located in Minneapolis, Canada's Consulate General works to promote trade and investment links, to engage citizens and decision-makers on matters of shared interest, and to assist Canadians living and traveling in the US. 2010 is the 40th anniversary of the Consulate General's presence in the Upper Midwest.  More information is available at www.minneapolis.gc.ca.

SOURCE Consulate General of Canada