PRESS RELEASE

CANADA–UNITED STATES INTER-PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ATTENDS SPRING MEETING OF THE CANADIAN/AMERICAN BORDER TRADE ALLIANCE

From 5–7 May 2019, members of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG) attended the 2019 spring meeting of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance (Can/Am BTA) in Ottawa, Ontario. Attendees included the Canadian Section’s Co-Chair, the Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P., as well as the Honourable Robert Black, Senator; the Honourable Dennis Dawson, Senator; Mr. Colin Carrie, M.P.; Mr. Vance Badawey, M.P., Vice-Chair; Mr. Kerry Diotte, M.P., Vice Chair; and Mr. Brian Masse, M.P., Vice-Chair. Mr. Easter and Mr. Masse addressed the BTA delegates.

Throughout the meeting, members of the Canadian Section were able to discuss matters and issues impacting the Canada–United States border, trade and tourism with representatives from the business and the public sector.

“The Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group’s Canadian Section appreciated the opportunity to attend the conference and exchange views with those who have an interest in bilateral trade as well as border crossing, transportation and tourism,” said Mr. Easter. Mr. Masse added: “Can/Am BTA meetings are a great opportunity for members of the Canadian Section to increase their awareness about the importance of the Canada–United States relationship, as well as the role of bilateral trade and tourism in ensuring the economic prosperity of our two countries.”

The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: in the spring in Ottawa and in the fall in Washington, D.C. The BTA is a coalition of businesses, public-sector organizations and individuals with an interest in bilateral trade and tourism. Its mission is to maximize commercial activity and ensure continued growth in cross-border trade, as well as efficient and productive border-crossing capabilities.

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 IPG 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