Cashman convenes first 2026 meeting of N.Y–Canada Task Force

ALBANY | Following the Assembly's formal recognition of Canadian Heritage Day, Assemblymember Michael S. Cashman convened the first meeting of the Task Force on New York–Canada Relations for the 2026 legislative session, bringing together Task Force members and senior Canadian and Québec officials for substantive discussions on shared cross-border priorities. Assemblymember Cashman was joined by Tom Clark, Consul General of Canada in New York, David Brulotte, Québec Delegate General in New York, and members of their respective teams, whose leadership continues to strengthen the economic, institutional, and cultural ties between New York and Canada. Garry Douglas, the President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and a key component of this partnership, also contributed to this important discussion. "It was an honor to bring together Consul General Clark, Delegate General Brulotte, and their teams for our first Task Force meeting of the year," said Assemblymember Cashman, Chair of the Task Force. "Their engagement reflects the seriousness of our shared commitment to collaboration and problem-solving." Discussions during the meeting focused on key issues impacting both sides of the border, including border traffic and trade flow, tariff impacts, industrial and workforce needs, and cross-border energy cooperation. Canada remains New York State's largest export market, accounting for 19 percent of total exports, or $17.4 billion in goods in 2024, in addition to $8.4 billion in service exports, $17.9 billion in critical imports, and nearly 60,000 New York workers employed by more than 800 Canadian-owned businesses operating throughout the state. "Canada deeply appreciates Assemblyman Cashman's ongoing commitment to the vital partnership between Canada and New York State," said Consul General Clark. "His leadership has helped reinforce the economic and cultural ties between our communities. Canada remains dedicated to advancing this relationship and our shared success and we look forward to continuing this work as good neighbors and steady partners." The meeting followed the Assembly floor recognition of Canadian Heritage Day, during which Cashman welcomed representatives from the Canadian Consulate, the Government of Québec, federal agencies, and Hydro-Québec, a critical partner in advancing reliable, affordable, and clean energy for New York communities. This partnership is punctuated by the upcoming completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express, which is expected to deliver enough clean energy to power over one million homes in New York State.

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Cashman convenes first 2026 meeting of N.Y–Canada Task Force

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