NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN ATTENDS SUMMER MEETING OF U.S. WESTERN GOVERNORS

From 25–27 June 2018, Mr. Fayçal El-Khoury represented the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) at the 2018 summer meeting of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) in Rapid City, South Dakota.

“It’s always beneficial for members of the Canada–U.S. IPG to attend the WGA’s meetings,” said the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., IPG Co-Chair. “Having attended its summer meetings for most years in the past decade, the Canadian Section always finds that the topics examined by the governors are important not only for the United States, but also for Canada. This year, for example, the governors heard presentations – and engaged in dialogue – about such critical bilateral issues as tools for better serving citizens and managing government operations, the impacts of wildfires and the opioid crisis.”

Senator Michael L. MacDonald, IPG Co-Chair, concluded: “In agreeing with my colleague, I would add that the theme selected by South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard for his year as WGA Chairman – workforce development – is also an issue that is vital for both of our countries. I think that citizens and businesses throughout Canada and the United States understand the need for lifelong learning and for having the skills that will be required for the jobs of the future. Certainly, ongoing workforce development initiatives are a key ingredient in ensuring economic growth and prosperity in our countries.”

The WGA includes the governors from 19 states in the U.S. West, as well as from American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Canadian premiers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba also participate in the WGA’s activities. More information on the WGA can be found at www.westgov.org.

The views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States IPG. For this reason, they may not reflect the views of U.S. counterparts.

The Canada–United States IPG aims to find points of convergence in respective national policies, to initiate dialogue on points of divergence, to encourage the exchange of information and to promote better understanding among legislators on shared issues of concern. Additional information on the Group can be found at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

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For furthur information:

Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, Senator, Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-995-1866

Hon. Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-992-2406

Ms. Miriam Burke, Association Secretary
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238