The Canadian and U.S. economies are inextricably linked—trade between the two countries is the equivalent of $1.6 billion daily, while almost 300,000 people cross the border every 24 hours, according to U.S. Department of State statistics released in June 2012. Due to the interconnected economies, legislators, regulators, and business leaders in both countries work co-operatively and closely on a range of issues of mutual concern, including matters such as environmental protection and sustainability.