Respect key in U.S.-Canada relationship, governor says

A U.S. governor fears recent blows to the relationship between Canada and the U.S. could leave scars that will take a long time to heal.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott is preparing to host a meeting with his New England colleagues and the five premiers from eastern Canada on Sunday.

With tensions building about the state of the ongoing NAFTA negotiations and the U.S. administration's failure to back Canada in its dispute with Saudi Arabia, Scott said the two countries are on shaky ground.

"We just need to treat each other with respect and civility," he told The House.

"I do believe it's missing on a national basis, an international basis."

NAFTA talks are expected to resume in the coming weeks after the pause button was hit. There are still difficult chapters of the agreement to close, include content rules for vehicles and the U.S. proposition of a sunset clause that would see the deal expire after a set period of time.

The rhetoric from President Donald Trump has mimicked a rollercoaster, at times calling Canada a great friend and other times criticizing its "weak" leadership.

There has historically been a great deal of trust between the two nations, Scott said, but "it takes very little time to dismember that."

He and other governors have taken that message to the White House, though it doesn't appear to have swayed President Donald Trump from sticking to his tactics.

"I believe that we're stronger together," Scott said.

"I haven't been shy about that."

[MEDIA