Canada’s trade chief talks U.S. Ties in Nebraska

By Scout Nelson

François-Philippe Champagne, the Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, is scheduled to deliver an address at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. His talk, titled "U.S.-Canada Trade and Geopolitics," will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on May 3 at the Willa Cather Dining Complex, and is open to the public free of charge.

The event, which will also be livestreamed, is sponsored by the Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance along with the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska. Champagne’s visit underscores the significance of trade and investment ties between Canada and the United States, particularly highlighting Nebraska's role in these relations.

Champagne, a native of Quebec with a rich background in international business and law, has actively promoted Canadian business opportunities globally. His visit to Nebraska is part of ongoing efforts to enhance North American competitiveness, focusing on strengthening agricultural supply chains and capitalizing on emerging sectors like life sciences and digital economy.

In his role, Champagne has been vocal about the mutual benefits of U.S.-Canada trade, noting that Canada is not only Nebraska’s largest export market but also a prime investment destination for American companies. He emphasized that numerous jobs in both countries rely heavily on this bilateral relationship.

The presentation will also touch upon the broader impacts of this trade relationship, including significant contributions to Nebraska’s economy. Annual exports from Nebraska to Canada include substantial figures in sectors such as agricultural machinery and natural gas, while imports feature essential goods like animal feed and live animals.

This engagement is part of a series of trade-focused events facilitated by the Yeutter Institute, which seeks to foster a deeper understanding of international trade issues among students and the public. The institute honors Clayton Yeutter, a former U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Agriculture, who was instrumental in advancing U.S. trade policy during his lifetime.

Photo Credit -nebraska-extenstion