Congratulations on the launch of MAPLE!
As the Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles responsible for Southern California, I am pleased to extend my congratulations to the founders and board of directors on the formation of MAPLE.
Canada and the US enjoy a partnership that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Our countries are the closest of friends, partners and allies. This is evidenced right here in Southern California by the vibrant and growing commercial relationship that Canada shares with this region. In fact, in 2014, Canada-California bilateral trade in goods and services exceeded $46 billion and Canada represented California's second largest export market. And that relationship has real implications for the local economy - over 1.2 million jobs in California depend on trade and investment with Canada.
Whether we are doing business, studying, undertaking joint research, or exploring each other's vacation destinations, Canada and Southern California share a prosperous and growing partnership.
With this in mind, it is my pleasure to welcome MAPLE Business Council to our cross-border community. There is so much opportunity to grow trade and investment between Canada and Southern California. Having a new organization in Southern California that is dedicated to connecting executives, investors and entrepreneurs to consider how to realize these opportunities will be a great addition.
Congratulations on the launch of your organization and I look forward to your future contributions.
James Villeneuve - Consul General of Canada