Feb 14, ALBANY – New York Governor Kathy Hochul presented Canada with a New-York sized Valentine’s Day gift when she proclaimed July 1 as Canada Day in the State of New York. Officially New York Senate Resolution No. 304, the resolution celebrates the Empire State’s “long-standing economic and cultural relationship with Canada.” The resolution takes effect this year.
Efforts to bring the resolution to pass were led in the State Assembly by New York Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-115) and in the Senate by New York Senator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-63).
Prior to presenting the resolution, Assemblyman Jones acknowledged the presence of Acting Consul General of Canada in New York André Frenette, as well as that of Québec’s Delegate General Martine Hébert and Alberta’s Managing Director (Washington office), Julia Bareman.
In the Senate later that day, Senator Kennedy used sports to illustrate the strong economic and social ties between Canada and New York. He reminded the chamber of the Buffalo Bisons’ status as a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate whose stadium acted as the Blue Jays’ home field during the worst days of the pandemic.
He added that Buffalo’s KeyBank arena is always full whenever the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators or Toronto Maple Leafs come to town to take on the Sabres.
“We are so much more than our shared border,” he concluded. “And a little healthy competition hurts no one.”
When the pandemic hit, its magnitude felt enormous, especially for border communities that have long seen each other not just as neighbors, but family.
As we rebuild together, I was honored to welcome @CanadaNY @CanadaBUF to memorialize Canada Day on the @NYSenate floor. pic.twitter.com/RVC8ctkZDV
— Senator Tim Kennedy (@SenKennedy) February 15, 2023
The Resolution recognizes Canada’s presence in New York State and the collaboration and partnership that has contributed to decades of peace and prosperity. These include the Canadian Armed Forces detachment at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, New York; a shared international border some 445 miles long that includes the second-busiest crossing in the U.S. at the Peace Bridge, and the many important trade corridors and integrated supply chains that connect the two countries.
Combined, these and other activities have led to $42B in bilateral trade in 2021. Canada is New York’s primary export market, while the 829 Canadian-owned firms in the State employ some 58,000 people. The many reciprocal familial and social bonds created by such a predictable and secure trading relationship are too numerous to count.
Canada is New York's primary export market, while the 829 Canadian-owned firms in the State employ some 58,000 people. The many reciprocal familial and social bonds created by such a predictable and secure trading relationship are too numerous to count.
The resolution also mentions emerging areas of cooperation and mutual support that will be critical to future security and prosperity, including a commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity – a source of strength against intolerance and hate.
Another is a shared commitment to addressing the challenge of climate change by creating a stronger and more sustainable economy through shared innovation, aligned policies and energy trade, as exemplified by the groundbreaking of the Champlain Hudson Power Express.
