KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) — Former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney will stress the importance of a strong bond between his country and the United States even during times of disagreement during a speech in Maine.
A copy of the speech was provided to The Associated Press before the Friday night event.
Mulroney says NAFTA "did not just happen by accident" and was the result of "leadership and vision" by President George H.W. Bush.
Mulroney will receive the George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service at a ceremony in Kennebunkport, the former president's summer home.
"Canada is privileged to have the United States as a neighbor and friend and the U.S. should thank its lucky stars every day that it has Canada on its northern border," said the speech, which also described the U.S.-Canada relationship as "the most successful in world history."
NAFTA has come under fire from President Donald Trump.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump have sparred about the future of the trade deal.
Mulroney is both a friend of Trump and an adviser to Trudeau. He was prime minster of Canada from 1984 to 1993.
