Media Release - Travel to Washington - March 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2025
BADAWEY TO DEFEND CANADIAN INTERESTS ON TRADE, GREAT LAKES, AND THE STATE OF THE BINATIONAL RELATIONSHIP TO US LAWMAKERS IN WASHINGTON
NIAGARA, ON – Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, will be part of a Canadian delegation traveling to Washington, D.C. for Great Lakes Week 2025. This annual gathering brings together U.S. lawmakers, Great Lakes organizations, commissions, and binational partners to discuss policies and initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving the economic, environmental and cultural sustainability of the Great Lakes.
Badawey, a long-time advocate for Canada-U.S. cooperation on Great Lakes issues, has regularly participated in this event. However, given the current tensions in the Canada-U.S. relationship, this year’s discussions are expected to take on added significance.
“Despite justified public concerns over recent rhetoric from the White House, it is critical that we keep lines of constructive communication open,” said Badawey. “Canada and the U.S. share more than just a border—we share critical issues, including the future of the Great Lakes. This delegation will ensure that these fundamental concerns remain a priority, regardless of the political climate. I intend to make sure they are not forgotten amid trade disputes and tariff talks.”
As Vice-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Interparliamentary Group and House Co-Chair of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Group, Badawey is a recognized leader on binational supply chains and Great Lakes policy. During his time in Washington, he will meet with U.S. lawmakers and key stakeholders to advocate for stronger collaboration on cross-border trade, enhanced transportation infrastructure, regulatory harmonization and a more resilient binational supply chain, including that of which travel throughout the Great Lakes.
Badawey will focus on the following:
✓ Regional Integration: Improving cross-border coordination and infrastructure planning.
✓ Resilience & Competitiveness: Reducing supply chain bottlenecks and strengthening North American trade networks.
✓ Joint Capital Investments: Upgrading transportation systems, technology, and workforce development.
✓ Harmonized Trade Standards: Aligning environmental and regulatory policies to support sustainable trade.
✓ Future-Proofing Against Disruptions: Creating adaptable frameworks for responding to global supply chain challenges.
Badawey will also promote The Niagara Ports Trade Corridor which is an example and exemplifies the best of what Canada and the United States can achieve together. Niagara’s integrated multimodal system drives economic growth while fostering innovation and sustainability, due to our strategic location on the Great Lakes. By continuing to invest in infrastructure and optimizing Niagara’s Trade Corridor, we unlock tremendous benefits for our local communities and economies on both sides of the border, ” said Badawey.
Badawey will also represent Canada as the sole Canadian speaker at the Congressional Breakfast, addressing lawmakers and policy leaders on the importance of sustained investment and cooperation in Great Lakes stewardship. Additionally, he will meet with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the Great Lakes Commission, and representatives of the International Joint Commission to advance shared environmental and economic priorities.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Steve McIntyre
289-673-1004
| Mon: | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed to public, by appointment only |
| Tue: | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed to public, by appointment only |
| Wed: | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed to public, by appointment only |
| Thu: | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed to public, by appointment only |
| Fri: | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed to public, by appointment only |
| Sat: | Closed |
| Sun: | Closed |
