Cramer Appointed as Co-Chair of Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group

At a time when U.S.-Canada relations are under real strain — with talk of a “51st state” rattling Ottawa and raising eyebrows in diplomatic circles — Senator Kevin Cramer’s appointment as co-chair of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group carries added importance for North Dakota. The group serves as a formal channel for lawmakers from both countries to meet annually and tackle issues like trade, energy, border policy, and defense. Cramer, who previously served on the group while in the House, now returns as Senate co-chair and is headed to Canada this week for talks with Canadian officials.

— Official News Release, Senator Cramer —

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Established in 1959, the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is tasked with promoting better understanding and cooperation between Canadian parliamentarians and U.S. members of Congress. The association is comprised of nearly 90 members and serves as a forum to discuss key bilateral and multilateral issues impacting both countries.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) is the newest member of the group. Cramer’sappointment as co-chair of the Senate delegation is a continuation of his efforts to support the American-Canadian relationship. In June 2023, Cramer joined U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) in launching and co-chairing the bipartisan, bicameral American-Canadian Economy and Security Caucus to strengthen ties with Canada. Cramer was previously a member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group from 2013 to 2019 when he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and served as co-chair of the House Northern Border Caucus.

“The Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group is a strategic venue for legislators in Washington and Ottawa to engage on the shared issues our nations face,” said Cramer. “Just like iron sharpens iron, the alliance between Canada and the United States is dependent on open, honest dialogue on what binds us together and where improvements are needed. I’m honored to be appointed as co-chair of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group and look forward to strengthening our alliance and working on resolving mutual concerns.”

The association holds a meeting each year, alternating between Canada and the United States to address priorities and policy differences on issues such as trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense. During the event, attendees seek to identify shared values and find possible solutions to a variety of concerns to both countries. As a newly appointed member of the association, Cramer will travel to Canada today to meet with Canadian leadership.

In March 2024, on behalf of North Dakota, Cramer received the Embassy of Canada’s Maple Leaf Award from Ambassador Kirsten Hillman and Consul General Beth Richardson. North Dakota sells more exports to Canada than to all other nations in the world combined, and this award recognizes the incredible volume of trade between the two countries.