NEWS RELEASE

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

From 6–8 October 2019, Senator Michael L. MacDonald, Co-Chair of the Canadian Section of the Canada–United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (IPG), and Senator Paul J. Massicotte attended the 2019 fall meeting of the Canadian/American Border Trade Alliance (Can/Am BTA) in Washington, D.C.

“Our delegation was pleased to attend the Can/Am BTA’s fall meeting,” said Senator MacDonald. “Throughout the sessions, my colleague and I were able to engage on important matters affecting the Canada–United States border. Moreover, I believe that it is crucial for representatives from the private and the public sectors to gather and discuss the ways in which government policies and practices affect our countries’ businesses.”

Senator MacDonald concluded: “I again thank the Can/Am BTA for its continued efforts, and for the opportunity to present the IPG’s recent activities. Many of the topics discussed at the meeting – including the ratification of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, border security, technological innovation, infrastructure and customs – are ongoing concerns for the IPG. The information gained during these sessions will help our delegates with their parliamentary work going forward.”

The Can/Am BTA holds two meetings each year: a spring meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, and a fall meeting in Washington, D.C. The Can/Am 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 the continued growth of cross-border trade, as well as improving border-crossing capabilities.

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

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.ca/CEUS.

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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

Mr. Grant McLaughlin, Association Secretary
Canada–U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group - 613-944-4238