New Canadian Government Promises Stronger Canada-U.S. Relations

Article by Mike Richmond

Originally published in the Government Relations and Public Policy Bulletin February 2006

When the Canadian Parliament resumes sitting on April 3, 2006, a new Conservative Party minority government headed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be at the helm, replacing the successive Liberal governments of the past 13 years.

Four of the new government's campaign commitments should have a significant impact on Americans doing business in or with Canada:

• improved Canada-U.S. relations;

• stricter border security;

• an immediate reduction in the Goods and Services Tax; and

• increased opportunities for private sector participants in the publicly-funded health care system.