WASHINGTON – During the annual Washington, D.C. conference of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance (Can/Am BTA), Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), Co-Chair of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, was awarded the top honor for his “leadership and the positive difference it makes.”

“I was honored to receive this top acknowledgment from Can/Am and certainly appreciate all they do to promote trade and economic growth between our two countries,” Stupak said. “Each day Canada and the U.S. do roughly $1.4 billion in trade and have 300,000 trips across the border. This makes up the world’s largest bilateral trading partnership. I’m proud to work with Can/Am to ensure a safe and smoothly functioning border, mindful of both the homeland security needs and cross-border trade.”

The award, adorned with a large bald eagle gripping and American flag, was awarded to Stupak for his work as Co-Chair the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, which is a bi-partisan group of over 55 Members of the House who serve as a voice for concerned constituents who reside near the northern US border to Canada. Stupak has played an active role for the past 4 years in working toward a more secure border while promoting trade and travel between the United States and Canada.

 “With several thousand miles of international border to protect, the Northern Boarder Caucus is comprised of Representatives from states all along that border who are committed to protecting our national security as well as promoting the best interests of the U.S. when it comes to trade and economic issues,” Stupak said.  “As our two countries embrace these changing times, we must do what is necessary to protect our citizens, economies and our quality of life.”

The Can/Am BTA is a transcontinental/bi-national broad based organization with participation from the 27 states along the northern U.S. border and the respective Canadian Provinces. The group has a combined network of over 60,000 companies and organizations. Participating members are from border trade, crossings, transportation segments including producers, shippers, brokers, importers/exporters, transportation providers, bridge and tunnel operators, chambers of commerce, business/trade corridor associations, and economic development and government agencies.

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