The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY (12/1/2025): The North Country Chamber of Commerce has launched “We Know Canadians As…”, a heartfelt bi national campaign that celebrates the long standing, people to people bond between Northern New York and Canada. The campaign was introduced at a press conference this week and is now being shared broadly across both sides of the border.

This initiative arrives at a particularly important moment. Headlines, political tensions, and outside rhetoric have created uncertainty in recent years, but the relationship between our region and Canada has always run deeper than any temporary climate. The Chamber developed this campaign to reaffirm a simple truth. Our connection to Canadians is built on history, friendship, and shared humanity, and those ties remain strong.

The campaign highlights the many ways Canadians and Americans have stood shoulder to shoulder, including

• Enlisting in the Union Army in the U.S. Civil War
• Landing together on the beaches of Normandy on D Day
• Earning 61 American Medals of Honor while serving in the U.S. military
• Fighting alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan
• Mourning together after the assassination of President Kennedy
• Rescuing American diplomats during the Tehran crisis
• Welcoming thousands of stranded Americans into homes in Gander on 911
• Mobilizing ships, rescue teams, and supplies to support New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina

These shared chapters underscore a relationship defined not by borders, but by compassion, loyalty, and mutual support. At a time when global narratives may feel divided, this campaign offers a reminder of what has always united us.

“Facts can be powerful things, especially when looking back at historic examples of the special connections we have with the Canadian people,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “We feel the need to highlight the depth and specialness of this people-to-people relationship, providing a heartfelt expression of appreciation to all Canadians. These facts tell an incredible story that we are pleased to tell.”

The Chamber released a powerful collective video and a full suite of bilingual graphics, all available for public sharing. The message is clear and timely. We remember these moments. We value our Canadian friends. And we remain committed to honoring and strengthening this unique cross border friendship.

View the full campaign and video:
northcountrychamber.com/chamber/we-know-canadians-as

https://youtu.be/k_wf7OfLOVc

The Chamber encourages residents, partners, and community organizations to explore the materials and help amplify this meaningful outreach to our Canadian neighbors.