The business panel sees Canada-U.S. relations as noticeably ameliorated since December, and foresees further dramatic improvements over the next two years. Canada’s continued role in Afghanistan and a commitment to protect U.S. access to energy in the event of a world crisis are seen as vital ingredients for sustaining good relations.

Outgoing Liberal-appointed ambassador to Washington Frank McKenna earns very high grades for his candid assessment of harm done to the U.S. relationship by Paul Martin. Harper earns very high grades for appointing former Finance Minister Mike Wilson as McKenna’s successor.
Among items on Canada’s agenda for Can-Am relations, the panel believes that better cross-border movement of exports and resolution of the softwood dispute ought to be considered the highest priorities.

These are the key findings from this week’s web survey of the COMPAS panel of business leaders and CEOs conducted on behalf the National Post under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody LLP.

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