HR0085 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0085 LRB098 10828 GRL 41311 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The United States and Canada share not only a 5,522-mile border, which is the world's longest, most peaceful, and secure border, but also a vibrant history of democratic governance, military, and economic partnerships, environmental stewardship, and cultural ties; and

WHEREAS, Relations between Canada and the United States span more than two centuries; together, our nations have developed one of the most successful international relationships in the modern world; and

WHEREAS, The relationship between Canada and the United States is unique in the world; our nations have a shared prosperity, fostered by two-way investments and jobs; and

WHEREAS, Canada and the United States have the largest and most comprehensive trade relationship in the world; and

WHEREAS, Canada is the largest foreign trade partner and the top export destination for the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, 299,100 Illinois jobs were dependent on trade with Canada in 2011; in total, more than 8 million jobs in the United States depend on trade and investment in Canada; and

WHEREAS, The United States is Canada's largest export market, with the United States exporting $337 billion to Canada in 2011 and importing $342 billion in goods and services from Canada in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Canada is the State of Illinois' most important primary export market, with $55.2 billion worth of merchandise and goods in bilateral trade exchanged; 30% of Illinois' worldwide exports were sold to Canada in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Canadian-owned companies employ more than 23,000 workers in Illinois and many Illinois companies have operations in Canada; and

WHEREAS, More than 400,000 people peacefully cross the Canada-United States border daily; and

WHEREAS, 913,200 Canadians visited Illinois in 2011, spending $261 million; 494,700 citizens from the Land of Lincoln visited Canada in 2011, spending $256 million; and

WHEREAS, Canada has become the United States' largest supplier of energy and provides our nation with the largest and most secure supply of oil, electricity, uranium, and natural gas; and

WHEREAS, Canada has vast oil reserves, which have the potential to substantially reduce the United States' dependence on energy sources outside of North America; and

WHEREAS, The United States and Canada have interconnected electricity grids and pipelines; our countries also share hydro-electric facilities on the western and eastern borders; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois imported $22.8 billion in crude petroleum products from Canada in 2011; and

WHEREAS, Canada and Illinois have a robust and complementary agricultural trade; and

WHEREAS, The United States and Canada also share a very special and important security and defense relationship; Canada and the United States are both founding members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and forces from the two nations have fought alongside each other major conflicts throughout history and around the globe; and

WHEREAS, Defense arrangements between the United States and Canada are more extensive than with any other nation, and Canada is a major ally of the United States; and

WHEREAS, 2012 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Canada's Consulate General in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Canada and Illinois share deep economic, historical, cultural, and familial ties; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express our greatest appreciation to the people and government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation with the people and government of Illinois and the United States; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the important economic and trade relationship between our nations and recognize the great economic relationship between Canada and the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we acknowledge the partnership and cooperation between Illinois and Canada on many issues, including Great Lakes stewardship, environmental protection, energy and agricultural trade, and support continued and increased trade with the nation of Canada; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we salute our neighbors to the north for their continued cooperation and efforts to jointly secure North America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the 65-year history of the Canadian Consulate in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we join with the great nation of Canada in looking forward to many more years of cooperation, friendship, trade, tourism, and goodwill; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the official representative of the nation of Canada in recognition of the mutual respect and friendship between the people of the State of Illinois and Canada.