Assemblyman Robert Smullen column: Strengthening the North Country’s economy and partnership with our neighbors

As someone who has spent my life serving this country — from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the halls of Albany — I’ve learned that strong alliances make us stronger at home. That’s as true for the United States on the world stage as it is for Upstate New York here in the North Country.

Our neighbors to the north in Canada have long been vital partners for our economy. They buy what we produce, they invest in our communities, and they work side-by-side with us to build prosperity. In return, we support their industries, strengthen their infrastructure, and share in the benefits of a thriving cross-border relationship.

This is not just about trade. It’s about jobs, investment, and a shared vision for growth. It’s about making sure the North Country is not just a pass-through between Montreal and New York City, but a powerhouse for manufacturing, logistics, and energy in its own right.

Fair Trade, Strong Growth

I believe in an America First policy — one that prioritizes our workers and industries — but that also recognizes the value of fair trade with trusted partners. Canada is one of those partners.

Every year, billions of dollars’ worth of goods and services move back and forth across our northern border. The North Country Chamber of Commerce’s Quebec-New York Corridor Coalition brings together more than 1,000 companies and economic partners from both sides, fostering collaboration that keeps people employed and our communities strong. These are relationships worth protecting and expanding.

When our manufacturing sector grows, we create good-paying jobs right here at home. Take the Plattsburgh and Champlain industrial parks, for example — home to dozens of U.S. operations of Canadian companies from transportation equipment to high-tech machinery. These firms aren’t just making products — they’re building livelihoods for families across the North Country.

We should be doing everything we can to help them succeed. That means cutting red tape, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring our workforce has the skills to compete in the 21st century.

A New Era in Energy Partnership

One of the most transformative projects in our region’s history is already underway — the $3 billion-plus CHPE transmission line that will deliver clean hydroelectric power from Quebec all the way to New York City. This project will help replace the energy lost when the Indian Point nuclear facility closed, and it will do so with renewable, reliable power that benefits the whole state.

That means jobs during construction, contracts for local businesses, and the potential for future energy partnerships that keep costs down for New Yorkers while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. As someone who has worked on national energy policy at the highest levels, I know how important it is to have secure, stable, and affordable sources of power. Quebec’s hydroelectric capacity is an asset we should continue to leverage.

Working Together Across Borders

The North Country’s relationship with Canada is built on more than just commerce. It’s built on decades of cooperation between elected officials, business leaders, and community organizations. We’ve worked together to solve cross-border challenges, from transportation logistics to environmental stewardship.

I’ve seen firsthand the value of these relationships. Whether it’s attending joint economic forums, meeting with Canadian officials, or visiting local companies that trade across the border, I’m always impressed by the commitment to mutual success. This isn’t a zero-sum game — when we do well, they do well, and vice versa.

That’s why I believe our future lies in deepening these ties. We should be expanding our manufacturing capacity to meet Canada’s demand for American-made goods. We should be exploring new areas of cooperation in technology, strategic minerals, tourism, and clean energy. and we should be making it easier — not harder — for goods and people to move efficiently across the border.

Keeping Our Communities Strong

Economic growth is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about families being able to stay in the communities they love because there are good jobs close to home. It’s about young people being able to envision a future in the North Country without feeling like they have to move away to get ahead.

As a retired Marine Corps Colonel, I believe in self-reliance — but I also believe in teamwork. The North Country’s partnership with Canada is an example of teamwork at its best. We each bring our strengths to the table, and together, we build something stronger than either of us could on our own.

Looking Ahead

In the years to come, I want to see our region continue to lead in manufacturing, clean energy, and cross-border trade. That means supporting the businesses that already call the North Country home while attracting new investment from companies in Canada and beyond. It also means ensuring that our infrastructure — from highways to rail lines to broadband internet — is ready for the demands of a modern economy. If we want to compete, we have to be connected, both physically and digitally.

Most importantly, it means staying true to our values. We don’t compromise on American sovereignty, and we don’t sell out our workers. But we also recognize that the world is a competitive place, and the best way to win is to work with those who share our vision for a prosperous and secure future.

The North Country and Canada share more than a border. We share a history, a set of values, and a belief in the dignity of hard work. Together, we can write the next chapter of that story — one of growth, opportunity, and mutual respect.

That’s a mission worth fighting for.