Denis Stevens, consul general of Canada for the Pacific Northwest, is addressing both the House and the Senate today. Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, told the Senate, "He is the highest representative of the nation of Canada for this region." Based in Seattle, Stevens is Canada's senior representative for the region that includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

"At the heart of our partnership and what has made it thrive is the fact that we not only share borders and interests, but we are friends who share fundamental values," Stevens told the Senate. "Canada and the United States have one of the largest, most successful trading relationships in the world. ... Canada is Idaho's No. 1 trading partner."

However, he said, "We can't afford to coast." He lauded recent agreements between the Canadian prime minister and the U.S. president that he said are aimed at making the borders between the two nations harder for criminals or terrorists to cross, but easier for those who are visiting or doing business. He also expressed hope that the Keystone XL pipeline "will ultimately be approved."

He said, "We have a long and illustrious history as allies."