CABC Red bars stacked logo

Who We Are

The Canadian American Business Council (CABC) came to life in March of 1987, as the Reagan administration was negotiating the original Free Trade Agreement with the government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. During this monumental moment in history, the Council emerged as a bilateral voice advocating for cross-border commerce in both capitals.

Three decades after its formation, the Council has evolved into the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization dedicated to fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors. The Council meets with presidents, prime ministers, governors, premiers, members of Parliament, and members of Congress. It is where legislators, media, and business figures turn for guidance on navigating—and defining—the relationship between the US and Canada.

What We Do

The Council's activities include high-level briefings on relevant issues of concern, assistance with practical trade and policy challenges, relationship-building opportunities, and informative seminars. We convene dialogues, advocate on key issues, and raise awareness about the unique relationship between the US and Canada.

Guiding Principles

Grounded by our guiding principles, the Council works to promote strengthened supply chains and regulatory alignment, ensure business priorities shape policy outcomes, and enhance North American competitiveness and economic resilience. We aim to advance policies that reinforce the bilateral economic partnership as the most competitive, integrated, and secure in the world.

Common Ground
Guiding Principle 01
Common Ground

The Council advocates for efficient, secure, and predictable policies that facilitate the seamless movement of goods, services, people, and capital across our borders. 

Shared Prosperity
Guiding Principle 02
Shared Prosperity

The Council aims to drive regulatory alignment, remove tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, and unlock investment to deepen economic integration and support growth across both countries.

Shared Security
Guiding Principle 03
Shared Security

The Council promotes policies that strengthen continental defense, economic security, and supply chain resilience, recognizing the critical link between national security and economic competitiveness. 

Forward Leaning
Guiding Principle 04
Forward Leaning

The Council champions innovation-driven, future-focused policy that promotes interoperability, supports emerging industries, and enables the free flow of data and ideas. 

The Council has proudly authored papers and assembled task forces to advocate for the US and Canada, including the Innovation Paper, the USMCA Top 10 List, and the Digital Task Force.

Guiding Principles

Grounded by our guiding principles, the Council works to promote strengthened supply chains and regulatory alignment, ensure business priorities shape policy outcomes, and enhance North American competitiveness and economic resilience. We aim to advance policies that reinforce the bilateral economic partnership as the most competitive, integrated, and secure in the world.

Bitmap Copy 5
Guiding Principle 01
Common Ground

The Council advocates for efficient, secure, and predictable policies that facilitate the seamless movement of goods, services, people, and capital across our borders. 

Bitmap
Guiding Principle 02
Shared Prosperity

The Council aims to drive regulatory alignment, remove tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, and unlock investment to deepen economic integration and support growth across both countries.

AF__7153-1
Guiding Principle 03
Shared Security

The Council promotes policies that strengthen continental defense, economic security, and supply chain resilience, recognizing the critical link between national security and economic competitiveness. 

Forward Leaning
Guiding Principle 04
Forward Leaning

The Council champions innovation-driven, future-focused policy that promotes interoperability, supports emerging industries, and enables the free flow of data and ideas. 

1 / 4

The Council has proudly authored papers and assembled task forces to advocate for the US and Canada, including the Innovation Paper, the USMCA Top 10 List, and the Digital Task Force.

[The US] and Canada are first and foremost friends. Secondly, we are large trading partners. This is a relationship that is deep and broad and good.

Condoleezza Rice, Former United States Secretary of State

Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder.

President John F. Kennedy

Without a doubt, Canada and the United States enjoy an economic and security relationship unlike any other in the world. But the true strength of the US-Canada partnership lies in the millions of connections across both countries that bring together our families, communities, businesses, and militaries every single day.

Ambassador Kirsten Hillman

We have a special relationship between Canada and the US. CABC is there to make sure we preserve the trading relationship, the respect, and the friendship.

Hélène Gagnon, Board of Directors

The US-Canada relationship has been made stronger and more impactful over the years by the dynamic work of the CABC.

Ambassador David Wilkins

At a time when our economies and the relationship between Canada and the US are on rough seas, it’s more important than ever to rely on the CABC to help right the ship.

Ambassador David Jacobson

Beth Burke

Chief Executive Officer
Beth Burke

Beth Burke is the CEO of the Canadian American Business Council, the pre-eminent cross-border business advocacy organization. Prior to stepping into the role, Beth led US advocacy at the CABC.

Her extensive government service in the US spans over a decade, marked by her role as a Presidential Appointee during the Obama Administration and as a senior staffer in both the US House and Senate. This experience has made her a valued advisor to policymakers and industry leaders, offering profound insights into governmental processes.

Beth began her career as a business consultant in the Great Lakes Region of the US. She has a demonstrated record of building strong relationships across political parties, across borders, and within organizations.

Originally from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Beth brings an “outside the Beltway” sensibility and keen insights into her work for the Council.

Melika Khajeh

Director of Policy Research and Outreach
Melika Khajeh

Melika Khajeh oversees Policy Research and Outreach at the CABC.

Previously, Melika worked as an Associate at a boutique policy consulting firm in Vancouver BC that focused on sustainable development. She engaged in research and policy analysis efforts for international clients across Canada, New Zealand, and India. 

Melika holds a Masters of Arts from the University of British Columbia in Political Science. Her MA thesis was funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She received an Honours Bachelor of Arts (with distinction) from Queen’s University. 

Philip Calabro

Director of Operations
Philip Calabro

Philip Calabro oversees Operations at the CABC.

Prior to joining the Council, Phil worked at a small private equity firm in Washington, D.C., engaging in diverse sectors such as media, hospitality, philanthropy, and film production. In this multifaceted role, he collaborated closely with respected journalists, Michelin-starred chefs, and Oscar-winning producers, helping to organize conferences, open award-winning restaurants, and produce over 125 podcast episodes.

Phil also served as a Presidential Appointee during the Obama Administration, advising Chairman Fred P. Hochberg of the Export-Import Bank and coordinating business outreach between the public and private sectors.