On Tuesday April 4, 2006 Governor General Michaelle Jean delivered the throne speech from the Senate in Ottawa.

She described the United States as "our best friend and biggest trading partner" in promising to improve multilateral and bilateral relationships. Read full story

A Strong Partnership and a Unique and Vital Relationship

The links between our countries are deep, diverse and complex. We share:

• A long tradition of cooperation in defending our continent and fighting for freedom.
• The world's largest trading relationship.
• A common border that stretches across 8,893 kilometers (5,526 miles) of land and three oceans.
• Stewardship of a rich and diverse environment, including 20 percent of the world's supply of fresh water in the Great Lakes.
  
  Read full story

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)

The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

Click here for more information.

Goods & Services Tax Refund

If you are…

• A non-resident individual who buys eligible goods or eligible short-term accommodation (including camping accommodation) while visiting Canada;
• A non-resident who buys eligible goods for personal use while traveling on business in Canada; or
• A non-resident and the sole owner of a business (i.e., you and the business are the same person) who buys both eligible goods for personal use and eligible short-term accommodation while traveling on business in Canada.
  

If any of the above situations apply to you, you most likely qualify for the GST refund. Click here for more information and to download the required form.

Universal Currency Exchange

We advise you to monitor your bank regularly for fluctuating rates. The above link is only an approximate as the actual rate fluctuates from credit card to credit card throughout the day.