As a member of the group, Baumgartner will work with Canadian parliamentary counterparts in efforts to strengthen cooperation on several issues for both nations.

On Washington Watch this week, Donald Trump is turning up the heat on a global trade war after a three-month pause on punishing tariffs he announced in early April. On Friday, Trump warned of 35-percent duties on Canadian goods starting August 1st.

They may break our formalities, but they can’t break our personal ties,” said Jeff Smith, who rallied to reaffirm an alliance that has been on the rocks.

Washington Congressman Michael Baumgartner announced today that he will be serving as a member of the Canada-United States Interparliamentary Group (IPG) for the 119th Congress.