The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) applauds today’s announcement that the region’s top elected officials – Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser – will lead a trade mission to Canada in September. Their leadership on this initiative demonstrates the recognition of the need to expand our economy and lessen our focus on federal jobs and the government contracting sector.

“This new step highlights the value of collaboration and cooperation in a National Capital Region that stretches from Baltimore, through the District of Columbia and all the way to Richmond,” said COG Chairman Kenyan McDuffie, who also is a District of Columbia Council Member. “All the local jurisdictions in metropolitan Washington look forward to strengthening their ties with Canada.”

Maryland and Virginia currently maintain strong trading relationships with Canada. Maryland’s Canadian trade is worth $3.5 billion and more than 206,000 of the state’s jobs depend on that trade. Virginia’s trade with Canada is valued at $5.2 billion and supports 281,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. The Canadian Embassy is located in the District of Columbia along with the Canadian-American Business Council. 

The trade mission, which is expected to include meetings with Canadian government, banking, and technology officials in Ottawa, Toronto, and Ontario, is currently scheduled for September 26.

“COG and its members have examined the need to diversify the region’s economy for the last two years,” said Chuck Bean, COG’s Executive Director. “This delegation will highlight the importance of foreign direct investment and be an important next step in strengthening the region’s position in the global marketplace.”