Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is urging President Obama to work with the U.S. Congress to resolve the "fiscal cliff."
Harper's office said Thursday the prime minister called Obama to offer his congratulations and used "the opportunity to convey to the President the importance of the White House and Congress working together to tackle the U.S. fiscal situation."
A package of tax increases and government spending cuts will occur unless Congress acts by Jan. 1. Harper and investors see it as a serious threat to the global economy.
Canada and the U.S. have the largest trading relationship in the world.
Harper spoke on the phone from India. The two spoke for 10 minutes.
