With the Obama administration knocking back the application for the Keystone pipeline from Canada to the United States, Canadian leaders are looking to Asian markets to expand energy exports.

Council of the Americas submitted to the Office of the United States Trade Representative comments regarding Canada’s expression of interest in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Canadian leader plans to deepen economic ties during visits to Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Honduras.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservatives snatched up a parliamentary majority during Canada’s May 2 election. The National Democratic Party cruised to second, winning the role of official opposition for the first time.

With Parliament dissolved after a no-confidence vote, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff are jockeying to win over disenchanted voters.

In a statement submitted to the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, COA voiced support for U.S. imports of Canadian oil and the construction of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the U.S.-Canada oil trade.

A “no confidence” vote set the wheels in motion for Canada’s fourth general election in seven years. The May 2 vote will determine whether Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative Party continues to run a minority government.