Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon says he'll be discussing the agenda for U.S. president-elect Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Canada with his American counterpart in the coming weeks.
Cannon told CTV's Question Period that he will be talking to Hillary Clinton -- who is expected to be officially named secretary of state after Obama's inauguration -- about the visit, with the economy taking priority.
Cannon said the date for Obama's visit hasn't yet been determined, but noted Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Obama will have a number of key issues to address.
Cannon said "first and foremost" the pair will discuss the economy. He said specific issues on the agenda will also likely include:
- the auto industry
- job creation
- the need to fight protectionism
- energy and environmental concerns
- the U.S.-Canada border
"Those are issues that are there and that need to be addressed, and we're going to see how we can strengthen our positions on a number of these issues," Cannon said.
On the issue of Afghanistan, Obama has told reporters in recent months that he wants to re-focus U.S. military efforts in the country. But there has been no change in Canada's plans to withdraw its forces in 2011, Cannon told Question Period.
Cannon also said he is pleased that Obama has brought back the tradition by American presidents to make Canada the first state visit after taking office. Bush broke the tradition in 2001 when he visited Mexico instead.
"We view this as very encouraging," said Cannon.
"(It) underscores the extremely close relationship that exists between Canada and the United States from an economic perspective as well as other issues."
