Canadian American Business Council Celebrates U.S./Canada Relations

With the Olympic Lights Shining in Vancouver, CABC Highlights the Interconnectedness of the U.S. and Canada

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the world's eye focused on Vancouver for the Winter Olympics, the Canadian American Business Council (CABC) is focusing less on the athletic competition between the U.S. and Canada, and more on the partnership between the two nations.

"In the spirit of the Olympics, it is important to take a moment to recognize not only the friendly competition among countries, but also the mutually beneficial partnerships that exist around the world," said Kelly Johnston, the Chairman of CABC and Vice President of Government Affairs for Campbell Soup Company. "In these times of unprecedented economic challenges, it is important to understand that Canada and the U.S. are uniquely interconnected in a way that supports millions of jobs in each country. The Olympics provide us with a rare opportunity to show that."

To highlight this, an ad will be running on WRC-TV NBC 4 in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area and throughout Canada to celebrate the integrated nature of the two economies. Specifically, the ad shows that Canada and the US share the world's largest trading relationship; America exports more to Canada than to all EU countries combined; and Canada is America's largest energy provider.

"Research has shown that American voters want to continue free trade with Canada to create jobs," said Maryscott Greenwood, Executive Director for the CABC. "We hope that the Olympics will be an opportunity for Americans and Canadians to see once again the special nature of the relationship between these two countries."

In August of 2009, the CABC conducted polling of a random nationally representative sample of 800 U.S. registered voters, aged 18 and older. The poll found that 61% of registered voters supported free trade policies with Canada.

To see the ad in full, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP0b4uTYrpI&feature=player_embedded

About the Canadian American Business Council

The CABC is the voice of business in the world's most prosperous relationship. Established in 1987 in Washington, D.C., the Council is a non-profit, non-partisan, issues-oriented organization dedicated to elevating the private sector perspective on issues that affect our two nations. Our members are key business leaders and stakeholders from both sides of the border. The Council's activities include high-level briefings on issues of current concern, assistance with practical trade and policy challenges, significant networking opportunities, and informative seminars.

For more information contact: Emma Rigby, Deputy Director, CABC: 202.496.7906; [e-mail];

www.canambusco.org

For further information: Emma Rigby, Deputy Director of CABC: [phone]; [e-mail] Web Site: http://www.canambusco.org