Many of us were pleased this week to read that the Canadian dollar is on ‘par’ with our currency. For folks in the Lake Champlain region that are in the tourism, hospitality or retail sectors, this news is welcome as the government cutting taxes. With our competitive prices and welcoming approach to our Canadian neighbors, this means that the visitor season should be even more robust than last year. It also means that enplanements from Burlington Airport should continue to feature a large percentage of Canadians from Montreal south, as they take advantage not only of our excellent air rates but the lodging deals provided by our local hotels, motels and B&B’s.

While this economic news makes us smile especially in light of the anemic improvements to our economy, there are other reasons to welcome our northern neighbors. We should never forget that the culture and heritage of Vermont is inextricably entwined with that of Canada, especially Quebec. Before the languages of late 20th and early 21st century ‘new Americans’ was heard in our schools, we heard Quebecois. Last year the Vermont Council on World Affairs hosted the Heritage in Harmony program that explored and celebrated the connections between France, Quebec and Vermont. In the years before 9/11, the border between our two countries was nearly invisible and even today the courtesy extended to those who cross the borders between both countries is very different than what one experiences when traveling internationally.

I say this not to state the obvious but to remind all of us that we should never take our friends for granted. That is as true in our personal life as it is in business and international affairs. Everyone wants to feel and truly be appreciated. So, when you have the opportunity to interact with one of our Canadian friends, take a moment to thank them, personally, for their patronage and friendship.