Toronto, October 2, 2013  – Given Canada’s close economic and political ties with our neighbour to the south, the current shutdown of the U.S. federal government is an important issue on this side of the border as well, following the suspension of all but essential government services after the U.S. House and Senate failed to find a compromise on a spending bill to fund the government.

Associate Professor Rodney Loeppky of York University's Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and Professor Radha Persaud of the Department of Political Science at Glendon College are available for media interviews on the implications of the current impasse and what the situation means for both the U.S. and Canada.

Dr. Loeppky’s areas of expertise include American politics and international and comparative political economy. Dr. Persaud's areas of expertise include Canadian and American government and politics.

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NOTE: York U media studio is available for double-ended broadcast interviews.

Media Contact: Tabassum Siddiqui, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 44543, tsiddiq@yorku.ca