Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough

Steadfast Friends and Helping Hands

A year ago yesterday, David and Susan Wilkins departed Ottawa – leaving behind their diplomatic duties and the many beloved friends and colleagues made during their three-and-a-half years of service in Canada. 

In his new role here at Nelson Mullins as chairman of the Public Policy and International Law group, Ambassador Wilkins has focused on telling the "Canada connections" story to every US audience he's privileged to speak before.  Of course, that story includes the rich ties America enjoys with Canada through our world-class trade relationship and countless business and economic development connectivity. 

But what truly inspires US audiences is when they learn more about the deep friendship that defines our bilateral relationship. From Canada's unparalleled outpouring in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, to Canadian service and sacrifice reaching out to Americans following Hurricane Katrina's destruction, to the heroism of Canada's Forces fighting the war on terror head-on in the toughest regions of Afghanistan, America has no better ally in a difficult world than our northern neighbor.

And now once again in the face of great tragedy in Haiti, Canada and America are doing heavy-lifting to ease the overwhelming suffering. 

Both countries are now engrossed in enormous relief efforts – our people donating their time, treasure and talent to those in need.

Canadian Forces along with US Marines and military reserves are on the ground tasked with keeping security, distributing humanitarian supplies, and improving infrastructure to get aid where it's most needed. They're easing the path for the countless Canadian and American citizens who are working tirelessly to provide life-saving care. 

In short, Canadians and Americans are working side-by-side in the most desperate of situations.  We are reminded of how abundantly our two dynamic democracies have been blessed and of our mutual commitment to share those blessings. 

Another Spotlight on Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is the focus of a glowing profile in the winter 2010 edition of Diplomatic Courier Magazine. The Washington, D.C., based publication "connects the diplomatic and policy leadership to the next generation of leaders in diplomacy and foreign policy." 

Wall was in Washington, D.C., in November with Team Wilkins meeting with top-level Administration and Congressional leaders on a wide range of issues important to Saskatchewan – most important among them energy and trade. 

More from Diplomatic Courier: 

Premier Wall is optimistic, but he remains concerned about the U.S. adopting a more protectionist stand.  He sees "the rattling of protectionist sabers" in the U.S.  We've seen this movie (referring to protectionism) before and it doesn't have a very good ending.

Premier Wall is a cheerleader for Saskatchewan and the great relationship that exists between the U.S. and Canada, but he is also frank:  "If the border continues to thicken and if it gets harder and harder to sell things here in the U.S.-the world wants what we have, our oil.  I work for the people of the province of Saskatchewan and that's who I am responsible to and so we have to be mindful of that." 

To read the entire Brad Wall profile entitled "A Success Story from Canada" check out the Diplomatic Courier's website at:  http://www.diplomaticourier.org. 

Mass-hysteria!

With Scott Brown firing the "shot heard 'round the world" out of Massachusetts Tuesday night, a Republican now holds the seat occupied by the late Teddy Kennedy – the "liberal lion" of the US Senate for nearly a quarter of a century. 

It's not an understatement to claim this represents a seismic change in the current politics of Washington. Brown's victory in the bluest of blue states not only means an end to the Democrat's super-lock (and filibuster proof) majority in the US Senate, this latest GOP victory on the heels of the recent elections in Virginia and New Jersey demonstrates clearly that “change” was not limited to the 2008 election. 

Predictions are that Senator-elect Brown's victory will significantly impact health care and other items on the legislative agenda pushed by President Obama and the Democratic House and Senate. 

But what never changes is our devotion to the US-Canada relationship. Team Wilkins and our Washington-based experts are on the case – monitoring all the latest legislative moves and countermoves that could dramatically impact our bilateral relationship. 

So keep it tuned here for updates on the issues you care about – from "Buy America" to trade, taxes, security and the economy – we've got you covered.