The Peru Gazette

Albany, NY News Release of Dec.29, 2025 –  Michael Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) has been named Chair of the Task Force on New York-Canada Relations, a first-in-the-nation working group that fosters the New York’s critical links to its northern neighbor.

“New York State and Canada have a deeply ingrained relationship built on cooperation and respect,” Cashman said. “As the former town supervisor for Plattsburgh, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that a strong partnership with Canada can have for communities at the border and across our state. I am deeply honored to contribute to that relationship and look forward to working with partners on both sides of the border.”

Launched in 2023 and previously chaired by former Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, the task force aims to raise awareness and deepen the impact of New York’s economic and cultural links to Canada. The state’s largest export market is Canada, accounting for 19% of the state’s total exports, or $17.4 billion, in 2024.[1] This amount does not include $8.4 billion in service exports, $17.9 billion in critical imports, or the nearly 60,000 New York workers employed by more than 800 Canadian-owned businesses.[2]

“The Assembly Majority is committed to fostering a good relationship with our Canadian neighbors,” Speaker Heastie said. “I have the utmost confidence that Assemblymember Cashman is the perfect choice to chair our Task Force on New York-Canada relations. His commitment to our border communities, trade, small businesses and robust tourism industry will serve him and the people of our state well in his new role.”

“This is a very positive development for the North County, maintaining our Assembly member’s leadership of the New York-Canada Task Force,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “This legislative grouping has become a valuable part of sustaining and growing our vital cross-border connections and Assemblyman Cashman will be a very strong leader of the initiative, having been an active player in North Country relations with Canada for years. We thank Speaker Heastie for entrusting this task force to Michael at a time when its mission and potential have never been more important. And we pledge the Chamber’s strong partnership going forward. Onward and upward!”

“I welcome the strong leadership that Assemblyman Michael Cashman will bring to the NY State Assembly’s Task Force on New York-Canada Relations! It is a testament to the bonds between Canada and New York that this Task Force will continue under new leadership to reinforce, strengthen, and expand the historical, cultural, familial, and economic ties we have shared over centuries. I look forward to working with Assemblyman Cashman to explore new pathways to success for citizens on both sides of the border,” said Consul General of Canada in New York Tom Clark.