TORONTO (March 31, 2003) — The leader of the Canadian Trucking Alliance warned that Canadian businesses will feel a stinging backlash on trade unless political leaders repair diplomatic relations with the United States.

CTA chief executive officer David Bradley said a finding remedy for damaged relations over support for the war in Iraq is “imperative,” and “the number-one issue facing the Canadian economy.”

“If direct investment in manufacturing flows south of the border, there won’t be much need for trucks, trains, boats, and planes and Canada’s ability to generate wealth through trade will be choked off,” Bradley told a conference of transport administrators last week.

His remarks came a day after U.S. ambassador Paul Cellucci, told a Toronto business audience that the United States was disappointed over the Canadian federal government’s stance on the war.