How important is the US to Canada? And vice versa. AALP Class 15 Study Tour Continues

Wow! What a busy, exciting and informative day!

We arrived at the Canadian Embassy and are proud to announce we all cleared the security check. We listened to a variety of speakers and learned about the value and importance of the trade relationship Canada has with the United States. A couple of interesting facts: 

1) US and Canada enjoy the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world. Trade in goods and services was $710 billion in 2012.

2) 8 million US jobs depend on Canadian trade and investment (about 1 in 22 jobs)

3) Top US agriculture and and agri-food exports to Canada: breads, pastries and pastas valued at $2.2B

Class 15 then met with Monsanto and discussed the need for farmers and farm organizations to be the primary source of correct information for the public to prevent us from being on the defence with uninformed activists - what a great reminder!

One of our members was 'fortunate' enough to have an opportunity to compare the U.S. hospital system to the Canadian system. The two doctors she met prefer the Canadian health care system.

Our next stop was the Capital building. We had a great tour guide who painted the picture of American history throughout the ages.

We also did a bus tour of Washington and took in the local sites, buildings and monuments and learned a bit about U.S. history. Important fact: In 1920, women were given the right to vote. We are women, hear us ROAR!

The patriotism in the U.S. is infectious and resulted in some great dialogue on thoughts and opinions of how Canadian pride compares.

Follow AALP Class 15 on their North American Study Tour on Twitter #NAST2014