NEWS RELEASE

MEMBERS OF THE IPG’S CANADIAN SECTION ATTEND MEETING OF LEGISLATORS FROM THROUGHOUT THE U.S. SOUTH

From 21–24 July 2018, Senator Lynn Beyak and Mr. Anthony Housefather, M.P. represented the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) at the 72^nd annual meeting of the Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference (SLC). The meeting was held in St. Louis, Missouri.

“I know that Senator Beyak and Mr. Housefather felt fortunate to attend this annual meeting, which included state legislators from the United States’ southern states”, said the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada–U.S. IPG. “Those states are important to Canada for many reasons. We are the primary foreign export market for a number of them, they often are popular vacation destinations for Canadians, and the integrated supply chains that exist between Canada and the SLC states lead to prosperity.”

Senator Michael L. MacDonald, Co-Chair of the IPG’s Canadian Section, concluded: “Certainly, I know that my colleagues appreciated the opportunity to speak with U.S. southern legislators about the bilateral relationship, and about how we might work together for our joint benefit. As well, much of the information gained at the SLC’s policy sessions – including in relation to apprenticeship programs, energy, data-based decision making, the 2018 farm bill, and a range of economic development topics – will be useful as we undertake our legislative work.”

Founded in 1947, the Southern Legislative Conference includes state legislators from 15 southern states. Its mission is to foster and encourage intergovernmental cooperation among member states. Information about the SLC can be found at www.slcatlanta.org.

The views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States IPG. As such, 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 further 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