NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS ATTEND ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT OF U.S. STATE LEGISLATORS

From 29 July–2 August 2018, Senator Michael L. MacDonald and the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., Co-Chairs of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, led a delegation to the annual legislative summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Los Angeles, California. The other members of the delegation were Senator Diane Griffin, Vice-Chair, Mr. John Brassard, M.P. and Mr. Brian Masse, M.P., Vice-Chair.

“I know that all members of the Canadian Section’s delegation benefitted from their conversations with U.S. state legislators and the various policy sessions that occurred during NCSL’s 2018 legislative summit,” said Mr. Easter. “I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to make a presentation during the Labor and Economic Development Committee’s discussion about the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. A subsequent session of the committee that was focused on international investment was also valuable, and included Canada’s perspective on the issue.”

Senator MacDonald concluded: “Certainly, the discussions about all of the other policy areas were also instructive. For example, the presentations about the opioid crisis, drones, the employment of disabled persons, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, rural communities, cybersecurity, innovation, energy and many others will be helpful in our legislative work in Canada. As well, the relationships with state legislators that we made or nurtured will be important as we continue to look for ways in which to work together more closely for the benefit of residents and businesses in both Canada and the United States.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the 50 U.S. states, as well as its commonwealths and territories. With its standing committees comprised of legislators and legislative staff, the NCSL provides research, technical assistance and a venue for the exchange of ideas on state issues. Additional information can be found at www.ncsl.org

The views expressed in this news release are specific to the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group. Consequently, they may not reflect the views of U.S. counterparts.

The Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group 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 can be found at www.parl.gc.ca/iia/us.

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For further information:

Hon. Michael L. MacDonald, Senator
Co-ChairCanada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-995-1866

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

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