Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosted Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States, for a series of events at the 88th Annual West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

Senator Capito moderated a one-on-one conversation with Ambassador Hillman where they discussed West Virginia’s relationship with Canada. Following this, they convened business, state, and federal leaders for a roundtable discussion focused on expanding bilateral opportunities between West Virginia and Canada.

“Canada is an important partner to West Virginia,” Senator Capito stated. “In fact, the bilateral relationship between our countries—specifically West Virginia—holds vital importance to our countries’ national security, energy security, and economic growth. I was thrilled to have Ambassador Hillman join me in West Virginia to share her perspective and discuss ways we can collaborate to build upon Canada and West Virginia’s strong trade and economic partnership in ways that are mutually beneficial.”

Ambassador Hillman emphasized Canada's economic ties with the state: “Canada is West Virginia’s biggest customer – we buy $2.1 billion worth of West Virginian goods every year. In fact, West Virginia sells more goods to Canada than to its next six largest foreign markets combined. These exports create hundreds of jobs in the Mountain State, making us stronger together. Thank you Senator Capito for the conversation at this year’s West Virginia Business Summit to talk about how together, Canada and West Virginia are uniting business and igniting prosperity.”

In 2023, Canada was identified as West Virginia's largest export market with $2.1 billion in goods exported from the state representing 38% of its total goods exports. Foreign-controlled companies employed 28,400 workers in 2021 in West Virginia; Canadian investment played a significant role among these employers. The state hosts 37 Canadian-owned companies employing around 1,300 workers contributing significantly to local economies.

Photos from today’s events include:

- U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito addressing the summit.

- Senator Capito moderating a discussion with Ambassador Hillman.

- A roundtable discussion hosted by Senator Capito and Ambassador Hillman involving business, state, and federal leaders.