Presidential candidates rarely mention Canada, much less presidential candidates who technically aren't presidential candidates even though they let it slip they are a presidential candidate.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says we should "stop insulting our neighbor to the north." Bush also said that the United States needs to establish stronger relations with its largest trading partner so that the U.S. "can count on (Canada) to be our partner in establishing a safer world."
Bush said that if elected (thought he isn't technically running yet) that in his first 100 days in the Oval Office, he would go to Canada. Jeb's brother, George W. Bush, in that role, did not visit Canada until the second term.
Other than Keystone XL pipeline, Gov. Bush did not give any specifics as to what was wrong with the U.S.-Canada relationship.
At CanadianCrossing.com, we agree that "stronger relations" are needed between the countries. We also agree that Canada should be more of a priority to the U.S. Then again, President Barack Obama didn't cancel this year's Three Amigos summit; Prime Minister Stephen Harper did that.
Harper has also been criticized for doing the U.S. bidding on security issues to the detriment of Canada. A smooth relationship isn't always the best for either country as a little tension allows each country to convey their needs.
We were intrigued by Mitt Romney's positive experience with Canada, but that doesn't always translate into policy. Jeb Bush isn't his brother but George set a low bar for a relationship with Canada.
The U.S.-Canada relationship is way more than the Keystone XL pipeline.
There are plenty of criticisms of the U.S.-Canada relationship, but Jeb Bush's vague concerns appear to be mostly political. When Jeb Bush becomes an official presidential candidate, we would welcome more specifics on where the U.S.-Canada relationship can improve.
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