It mostly escaped notice in the U.S., but not north of the border, that Barack Obama plans to make Canada the destination of his first foreign visit as President. Don't smirk, it's a good decision.

Canada today is again one of our closest allies, as well as our respected neighbor and our largest trading partner. Last Monday, on the 47 member U.N. Human Rights Council, Canada alone voted against a resolution that pinned blame for the current conflict in Gaza on Israel and effectively exonerated Hamas. (The U.S. is not a member of the Council.) On this issue the new Liberal Party leader, Michael Ignatieff, is more or less in accord with the government of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Canadian candor and unity about the facts of the Gaza situation will help the U.S. as we all try to secure a peace in the region.

Likewise, Canada is seriously engaged in the allied coalition in Afghanistan. Again, our neighbor plays a constructive international role. Canada needs us in the world and, truly, we need Canada.

So, overall, U.S.-Canadian relations are good on most topics and it would be wise for a new president to show that he wants to keep them that way. But there also are worrisome issues we share--and some differences between the two countries--that pose further reasons for close consultations now.

The number one concern is the North American Free Trade Agreement and trade relations in general. During the primary campaigns Sen. Obama awkwardly pandered to protectionism and promised to reopen NAFTA. It would be pleasing if he used his trip to Ottawa to assure the Canadians that he does not really intend to do anything so unwise (or so unhelpful to American interests, as it happens). In Transition period talks with Mexican President Felipe Calderon the American President-Elect used the term "upgrade" to describe his hopes for NAFTA. A very slippery term, "upgrade", but potentially benign.

North America's economy has benefited from NAFTA and would be damaged greatly by weakening the treaty or even proposing to amend it to any great degree. So now is a good time to make clear that such action is not contemplated.

Secondary issues that also influence trade include delays at border crossings and the somewhat differing views of border security problems. Those can be ironed out, but they need to be dealt with by government heads at some point.

Another economy-related issue is energy. Canadians think they are even "greener" than Americans, so President Obama will enjoy that part of his trip. However, Canada wants to develop its oil sands fields in Alberta and needs the U.S. to show appreciation, rather than apprehension, over the potential there. Similarly, Canada will prosper and the U.S. will gain still further independence from Middle Eastern energy reliance if the two nations expedite development of natural gas.

In other words, the economy is the number one topic of interest in both countries right now, and that makes a visit by the new president to our number one economic partner totally appropriate.

Here is a suggestion, Carlton University recently convened a study on U.S.-Canadian relations that delves into myriad areas of mutual interest in a fresh and constructive manner. It would be an excellent follow-up for the Obama trip to Canada if the Carlton agenda could form the official basis for a bi-national, multi-party working group to help advise a second Obama visit to Canada, or at least a reciprocal visit by the Canadian P.M. In other words, when it comes to U.S.-Canada relations, let's get some lasting decisions formed, not just some good feelings.