Canadian exchange rate in north country

By: Victoria Scott

PLATTSBURGH, NY-- Today, at the currency exchange kiosk in Champlain Valley Center, exchanging one United States dollar would equal 1.33 Canadian dollars. This is great exchange for Americans wanting to visit Canada, but not such a good trade for visiting Canadians. But what about an American living in Canada? 

Emma Didomenico, of Connecticut, and Francois Tremblay, of Montreal, live together in their two bedroom apartment in the East Bay of Montreal. Ms. Didomenico is attending university while Mr. Tremblay is working for Mawashi, a science and technologies company. The couple often visits the states and loses money by doing so.

Evan Bowker, who works at the Center for the Study of Canada at SUNY Plattsburgh, believes that the exchange rate is negatively affecting the Canadian travel to the United States. This is because the Canadian economy is currently suffering and their dollar value is so poor in the United States.

            “Not everyone has that opinion on the exchange rates,” said Tremblay, “the experience is worth more than the money.” To some, having the opportunity to travel to a foreign country even if it may cost them more, is worth it. Didomenico, being from the states, agrees, “Living in Canada is ‘cheaper’ for me, yes. But being able to come home to the states is priceless.”  

            So how will the North Country keep its customers who find it financially difficult to travel here? Mark Dame, of the Clinton Country Legislature and Chair of the Financial Committee has a solution. The area businesses should offer to exchange their money at a rate less than the daily published amount. This gives them a North Country discount, hopefully making a trip to Plattsburgh and the North Country worthwhile.

            The biggest obstacle when it comes to this plan is the local chain stores. These businesses are aware of this problem but have set policies based on the entire network of stores, making it difficult to adapt to the regional considerations such as the currency exchange rates.

            Breanna Miller, a waitress at Uno Chicago Grill, has found that company policies inhibit their ability to adhere to the foreign customers needs. She says, “less Canadians are spending their money here because their dollar has more value for them at home.”

            Aside from visiting the United States, “Canada is a beautiful place,” says Tremblay, as he and Didomenico admire Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. “It has so much to offer, I would recommend visiting to anyone.”

            Now is a great time to travel to Canada for Americans due to the increased value of the United States dollar in Canada. The country possesses many breath taking opportunities that are not offered in any other country.

            The 2005 Mercer Worldwide Cost of Living Survey ranked Canadian cities among the most affordable. Out of the nine major cities, Ottawa is ranked the most affordable city in North America.

            If you are someone who is looking to get away from the city, Canada is host to Niagara Falls, Canadian Rocky Mountain parks and Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park which can offer beautiful scenery at a cheap price.

            Canada is a bilingual country, where most citizens speak French and English. French culture remains a prominent part of Canada, mostly in Quebec, but also in parts of Ontario and the Maritime provinces. This is an excellent way to experience another culture without having to necessarily speak a second language by taking a trip to Montreal, Quebec, located an hour and a half from Plattsburgh.

            “I cannot wait to get my enhanced license so I can visit Canada,” says Miller, “but we need to take care of our neighbors. If we want to be able to visit their country affordably, we should try and make their stay here affordable too.”

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