The red-and-white flag of America’s northern neighbor was lifted over the state Capitol on Saturday in recognition of Colorado-Canada Friendship Day. Colorado exported $1.8 billion in trade goods and produce to Canada in 2023, accounting for about 18% of all trade exports, according to a news rele ase from the governor’s office. The state also welcomed more than 176,000 visitors from the country that year and is currently home to 272 Canadian-owned businesses employing tens of thousands of Colorado workers, the office said. “From maple syrup to hockey players and much more, we in Colorado appreciate our friendship and close ties with Canada,” Gov. Jared Polis said in the release. “Raising the Canadian flag today is symbolic of our friendship, showing that when we work together, even in challenging times, we grow our economy and make the people of both sovereign nations better off.” The office said the Capitol building will also be illuminated with red and white lights Saturday evening. Related Articles Colorado News | Colorado restaurants and their suppliers have a new worry this year: tariffs Colorado News | Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister after winning Liberal Party vote Colorado News | Seeking a “Plan B” under President Trump, some Coloradans make plans to move to other countries Colorado News | Colorado business owners, industry leaders fret over fallout from tariffs Colorado News | Colorado’s gray wolves roaming farther into Western Slope, new map shows Get more Colorado news by signing up for our daily Your Morning Dozen email newsletter. ...read more read less